This is what Autism can Look Like

We've had a lot of wins lately.  More and more wins each week it seems and we couldn't be more thrilled.  So it's only fitting that a tough day shows up...expected, even.  That's what today was.  A little tougher from the moment everyone woke up.  Charlie had a hard time regulating all day.  Nothing seemed to go right for him.  He had a difficult time vocalizing what he wanted throughout the day which made him go into melt-down mode numerous times today.  Sensory overload with noise didn't help and he tended to keep to himself today when he was regulated.  No matter how much rock climbing, tight hugs, Sunny love or swinging he did- a melt down would follow.  Bed time came and it was like the old days where Charlie just couldn't calm down, became anxious and then went downhill from there.  It's hard to figure out what he needs when 1- most of the time he doesn't know what he needs and 2- he can't vocalize what can help if he can recognize it.  Such a guessing game.  So this was the end result tonight.  This is what Autism can look like: pure exhaustion.  For everyone.  Tomorrow's a new day, friends.

You could tell Sunny wanted him to feel better.  She wanted to be near him and would steal little kisses if she got  a chance.  And when she did deep pressure with Charlie she was focused and wouldn't be deterred from her job.