A little Autism In All of Us

The other day I was thinking about Abigail's "issues".  She has a lot of sensory issues.  She does not like the feel of a toothbrush in her mouth.  She does not like her head massaged while getting her hair washed.  She hates to wear turtlenecks.  She only likes cotton material in her clothes.  She does not enjoy playing in sand or playdough or playing with food. 

Then I thought about myself and others I know that have sensory issues too.  My middle child does not like to wear socks.  She hates the feel of socks on her feet.  I don't wear turtlenecks and only wear the softest feeling clothes.  I don't like the way eggs feel as they go down your throat.  I don't really enjoy the feel of dirt on my hands.  Others do not like the bright sunlight or windy days.  Some do not like smells in lotions or perfumes. 

I learned to sit in the W position, so did my curly.  This is a characteristic of kids with autism.  I know many people and small children who sit this way.  My curly does not like crowded malls or people who get right in her face.  I must agree with Curly's feelings on that one.  I understand a lot of Curly's aversions to daily life.

I think everyone has sensory issues and may even have a little bit of autism deep down inside.  The only difference is that we "typical" people can handle these aversions and it does not affect our daily life.  Curly and Curly's people can not deal with the senses.  They have to be taught how to let these aversions not affect their daily lives.  This is a very hard thing for these kids to do. 

Take a little time to think about your "issues".  You'd be amazed how many sensory issues you have that you don't think about.