What Is Autism JAM?

About Jack – a.k.a. Jackie Boy

People who know Jack always comment on his infectious smile. He is extremely excitable and loves to be held and cuddled. He loves to group people together when they come to visit and move them around the house with a plan that only he knows...he’s quite persistent with this. When Jack gets excited he flaps his arms and also opens his mouth, scrunches his eyebrows, and shakes his head. It’s as if he’s psyching himself up for the “Big Game”. Jack has a number of self-stimulating behaviors like, hand flapping, grouping toys by 3, chewing on clothing, squeezing himself into tight spots and applying pressure to certain parts of his body.

Since Jack was born, he has only slept through the night approximately 7 times (but who’s counting?). He continues to wake during the night multiple times, which is common characteristic of children with autism. We had him go to a sleep clinic they labeled it as a pediatric sleeping disorder. They also did tests that uncovered Jack’s iron deficiency anemia, which causes him to have restless leg syndrome, and PICA behavior. We literally would have to watch all paper products, cardboard, chalk, crayons, playdoh, and my favorite, used dryer sheets, because Jack would ingest them. He would grab it like it was candy and then run away shoving the paper in his mouth. He did get smart by learning to dip the toilet paper or paper towels into the toilet so he could swallow them better. It was actually hysterical to have to chase him down pulling chalk and crayons out of his mouth. If it weren’t so funny it would be sad. He sometimes bounces on his trampoline for hours at a time (he’s on his third); often jumping as high as he is tall. He also loves to swing on swings and go to playgrounds.

Jack has therapists from Interactive Therapy Group (ITG) who work with him daily for the following; Occupational Therapy—Jen Campanella, Speech Therapy—Jessica Harrington, and Special Education and DIR Therapy/and Coaching—Christy Coles. Jack has connected so well with all of the therapists. He feels so comfortable snuggling in their arms and treats them like family—which they are to all of us.