Controlling the Hoarding
A few days ago, Jamie and I spent the day, 10 hours to be exact, going through our son’s hoarding piles.
We were absolutely shocked by the amount of stuff we found. Honestly, we had no idea it had gotten so out of control.
We found piles under every bed, in every closet, under dressers, couches, bookshelves, entertainment centers and even the fridge. Almost every item was damaged and couldn’t be salvaged.
By the time we were done we had thrown four garbage bags.
In this video I touch on how his hoarding and anxiety have evolved in the past few weeks. And how they are impacting not only him but our family.
When we think of children…happy children…we don’t typically think of anxiety. Well in our home, it’s all too real.
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That’s no way to live, yet it’s how we live. The things we tolerate for love…Hugs from one ASD Mom to another.
(Mine couldn’t bear doors being opened and would head bang if they did. Thank GOD that behavior inexplicably stopped. )
Oh man, I cannot even express how much I relate to this.
My daughter does the same circle of obsessing/gathering/destruction but, get this, has to soak it all in water. Yes. Books and photos and magazine and clothing all ripped up and then soaked with water in the sink or tub or trash. Multiple times a day. It started suddenly two years ago and shows no sign of stopping. WE HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING. I have resisted locking up our clothes but we may not have a choice. You have my sympathy, it sucks.