08/27/2025
Autism is a spectrum.
Each Autistic nestles into their own special place on that spectrum.
There are so many opinions on what to call the ranges from low functioning to high functioning, severe to mild and each parent will tell you that their child falls into all of these at different times.
Like William, who breaks many stereotypes of Autism, he is social and verbal but his anxiety and sensory sentivities pave his way each day making many activities that would typically be fun, nearly unbearable.
His biggest struggles come from large crowds, a lot of movement, too many mixed sounds and so much more that cause his brain to overload with processing.
He will retreat to a small, quiet, dark space, ask to leave an event or disappear into his Farming Simulator game to balance and regroup.
He is respected for his needs.
Textile sensitivities have never been high on his overstimulation list but a scratchy tag can turn a happy morning to unbearable discomfort.
Although heās advanced so much with his awareness, and will verbalize his discomfort, Iāve become sensitive to solving a problem before it begins.
We purchased a few pair of pants for school over the weekend and while cutting off the price tags I noticed the coarse tag inside that would surely scratch against his skin and cause discomfort.
With that being said, softer tags wouldnāt be a problem. Itās a constant awareness game.
So I ask.
And, yes, he did want this one removed.
Communication, of any kind, is crucial in helping them manage daily life. Always being two steps ahead.
Things we all take for granted can send William into a tail spin so if we can guide him through it to avoid it, we do.
Iām grateful for his entire village who have worked with him all of these years and continue to guide him to self awareness and independence.
