I began to notice a trend with Asher. He started making a small pile of objects everyday. He was very particular about his pile. Only certain objects were selected and he placed each one with intent. I researched why he was doing this and if it was a common feature of children with Autism. It is well known that children on the spectrum line up objects. That's often one of the first signs for many parents. What is not known is the issue of hoarding.
In Asher's case, he makes piles of things. If I move something from the pile, he will adjust it. He tries to carry the entire mess at once. I try to help him and he keeps his eyes on me to make sure that I have the objects. What are the objects? Some of them remain constant and some of them change from day to day. Right now his pile consists of several Mickey Mouse figurines, a sippy cup, a bowl, DVD w/ cover, play dishes, 2 tv remotes, and his favorite book turned to a particular page. WHEW!
He will also add shoes, phones, wrappers, and anything else he feels is important to him. His pile is small compared to many. I follow the story of a child who hoarded over 200 objects. There was a purpose for each of them. His mother had weeded it down to around 50. It's amazing how their minds work. 💙
Why are these important to him? In short, Mickey has been his #1 from day 1. He kisses the figurines and even stands them up to face him. He associates the shoes with Randy or the boys playing outside. The wrapper is usually from a pack of gummies that he gets for a treat. So, you see, he is not hoarding just random junk.
Why does he do this? As I have read, I began to understand that everything he gathers means something to him. It is hard for Asher to control his world. It's overwhelming. Life is spinning around him and it makes it hard for him to focus. He focuses on these objects and it is a source of comfort for him. It totally makes sense now. He makes a pile and he often looks back at the pile while he's playing. It's like a child with a special blanket. It gives him peace.
Initially, I wanted to put the stuff away. I picked it all up, put the toys in the basket, wrappers in the trash, and dishes in the washer. As I have delved deeper into the issue, I don't do it anymore. It may all look like chaos, but there is definitely a method to his madness. He's brilliant.
Asher has a sink full of his favorite things.
He wouldn't go to school without them, so they went along for the ride.
He loves this stuff!❤💙
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