A question about a sensory issues with my son and his Autism

[tbird18_98]

hello.. i have a quesion about my son..he is 4 and has Autism... he has always messed with his penis...like normal children during diaper changes ..etc...but as of late...the last week or so..it seems like it has gotten worse..he seems to lie on the floor or sofa, put both hands underneath him, outside of his pants, and it seems like he is almost humping his hands...is this a sensory issue?  How can i break him of this habit?  It is really upseting me...because he has begun to do this often.  Is this normal ? Can you give me any advice on this issue?  Please, and thanks...

[specialmom]

Hi there.  You'lve tacked your post at the bottom of an older one and sometimes those can get missed.  You could repost your question on your own thread by going to the top of this page and hitting post question.  You'd probably get more responses at that time.  And I'd give as much detail as possible about what is going on with your child.

I'm the mother of a boy with sensory integration disorder.  Sometimes kids with autism have sensory as an overlapping condition and some kids like my son have sensory integration disorder all on its own.  

Some things that would be helpful----  what is your child's age.  What other symptoms does he have (the issues around his groin could possibly be sensory seeking but not necessarily)?  Is he different at home than he is say at a family party?  How does he handle emotions?  Did he hit his developmental milestones?  How is his speech?  

So, more info would be really helpful.  

[kemp123]

hi im so glad i have read this my child is 2 and does this constantly he lies on his back and thrusts this could go on all day he doesnt speeck at all doesnt understand commands he doesnt play although he has really could eye contact i dont no if this is austim as he has just started to wave bye bye can any one help with advice i reallly want him to go to nursey next year can he still go if he is displaying this behaviuor  all the  time

[sensory8]

It sounds as though your son may be sensory-seeking.  The input he is receiving by his "activity" is very intense and easy to obtain.  It may be helpful to provide more appropriate sensory input throughout the day as a substitution for this sensory-seeking behavior.  Input into the muscles and joints is  generally calming and organizing.  This input may be obtained through "heavy work" or deep pressure activities such as:  pushing/pulling/carrying heavy items (pulling a wagon with a load, pushing a wheelbarrow or chair with some weight on it....helping mom by carrying...groceries, books, a bucket etc.etc.) ;  jumping (mini-tramps are great), pushing against a wall or doorframe, any type of "roughhouse" play.....bopping with pillows, squishing with pillows or beanbag chair; playing push and pull with mom or sibling....hold hands and push then pull each other.  If you google "sensory integration", there are a number of websites that will provide more suggestions.  Hope this is helpful.....and that you see it....two months after your post :-)

[Natta1980]

Hey - I think all men did that......

[specialmom]

Hi,...  I have a son with sensory integration disorder without autism.  I honestly think this is a boy thing and not a sensory thing.  Both of my boys "play" with themselves and have an interest in putting their hands down their pants with only one of them having sensory.  They are 4 and 5.  My sensory son does this when he has a bathing suit on or loose fitting soccer shorts the most.  I think your son has discovered the sensation as many kids do.  I agree it is embarressing.  If his communication is good enough, you can have a specified place he can do this like his room and have it off limits elsewhere.  Maybe your OT (assuming you have one) could help you with this too.  Good luck.