Living with Hoarding, OCD and Anxiety
Lately the stress of being home is wearing Jamie and I down. Our autistic son’s most challenging behaviors have really ramped up again. He is stimming on his Kindle, lining up objects, hoarding favorite items, tearing apart beds, destroying rooms, screaming, etc. T
hese behaviors stem from anxiety. They also cause anxiety for everyone around him.
I know this will pass. I know it will pass because it has before. But I also know that it will return. If we let our guard down for one second, leave doors unlocked, toothbrushes out, mail on the counter, etc., the behaviors reappear over night.
I want you to know it is really hard to live like this. It has taken it’s toll on our sanity, our family and our lives. Right now, our home is not our safe space. Right now, our home feels like it is controlled by autism. And that is exhausting. Because there is nowhere to hide.
I do these videos to give you a glimpse inside of what it is like to live with a children with severe anxiety. Please be kind.
https://www.facebook.com/findingcoopersvoice/videos/321129895333217/
Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
Hello Kate, I have seen your video and although I do not have a child in the spectrum or with severe anxiety, I am drawn to the wonderful world of Autism. My son who is 31 months old was seen by a SLP when he was 27 months, she noticed some red flags( limited words, limited eye contact, always running) and suggested that he might have autism. Panicked, I quickly booked him for an appointment for bio medical treatment with a DAN doctor. She recommended MB12 shots (for language), cod liver oil for eye contact and diet which only includes meat, vegetables, eggs, fruit, nuts and seeds. It was so hard at first as he was eating a lot of carbs and gluten and all junk. But I tell you, in 3 months time his language has exploded, making eye contact and no more behavioral problems. He does not qualify for any early intervention and the SLP who saw him was surprised about the changes. I have been sending you direct messages on INstagram since following you because I know in my heart that you are an amazing mom who will do anything for your son. Please try the biomedical treatment, find a DAN doctor in your area. I am saying this because I believe that it can take some of Cooper’s challenges. I always watch your videos and an amazing mom like you deserves information about this. My doctor sent me a copy of her autism manual about biomedical and I can forward you the attachment if you are interested. I admire you and your husband for being the best advocates to your son. God bless