This week and periodically throughout this blog, I will share a profile of a child on the spectrum. I do this as an attempt to highlight the incredible variability of the autism spectrum but also as a learning opportunity for myself. When you write about someone in such detail, you force yourself to look at them and the work you’re doing to help them in a more critical way.

Brian:

Brian is 6-years old and as skinny as a bean pole. He has a big smile that he flashes often – mostly when he’s being mischievous. Brian was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. Academically, he’s just slightly below grade level. He is extremely energetic, frenetic even, and has a difficult time regulating himself and more specifically, his body. It is rare that Brian is able to sit still for more than a few seconds at a time, unless he is tired or “dreaming”.

Brian has difficulty in many aspects of daily life. When verbally perseverating (ex: “Can i play, can i play, can I play..”), he becomes more and more dissociated from his environment, as if he’s dreaming while awake. His eyes appear unfocused and he seems to be unable to hear or see anything. During these times, Brian ussually begins a dance-like stimming behavior, with his eyes deeply focused on his index finger as it draws a figure eight in the air in front of him. It’s beautiful to watch. Hypnotizing.

Brian has difficulty controlling his body in space, which makes interacting with others a challenge, especially in more populated settings like the school lunch room. In such environments, he will jump or crawl on the ground while walking from one place to another. Its not uncommong for Brian to begin hitting himself (often in the head) in instances of sudden change, in an overstimulating environment (loud, unpredictable noises and too many visual cues), or when he is not given the opportunity to complete a routine. Following such episodes, Brian will appear frightened at his body’s lack of control.

Brian also displays a great deal of strengths. He has an incredible knowledge and interest in animals (which is how he learned the alphabet), very strong imaginative play, a sponge-like memory, and a persistent willingness to engage with others. Brian’s laugh is infectious, like a child being tickled, and gets him lighter treatment than some of his more mischievous behaviors often deserve.

Brian, like all children, has a unique profile. In writing about him, I can focus in on his strengths, address his challenges, and create more effective strategies for working with him going forward. I encourage all parents and practitioners to try this reflection exercise.