We have established the need for routine in dealing with autistic children and this idea really does not change from childhood into adult. Often the routines alter but the important thing to remember is to keep the routine even in the variation. For years composers have used a technique in music called "variation technique" that allows for the music to alter in different ways, often substantially or in some cases minimally, yet maintaining some kind of unifying element to the original theme. The melody may stay the same or the harmony may stay the same or the rhythm or something that recalls the original theme. This same idea can be practiced in dealing with autism.
We practice routines in order to give Joel stability in the world, something familiar that takes away the deep fears that may be within him. The routine makes the statement that all is well and all will be fine and the world is the same place it was yesterday. The event may alter slightly and it may be varied from how it was yesterday but it retains enough similarities to give it the familiarity that is needed.
For several years now Joel and I have some routines that while they do change some, have more or less remained. "Hey Joel," I say. "Hey Dad," he responds. We do this everyday and have for years. After his shower, he comes with wet hair and I always say, "Joel, it is time to take a ...." Joel always completes the sentence with a fast "Shower." This routine started with me pretending to be shocked he had actually taken a shower. It now is a necessary game that happens every night.
Other routines include the thumbs up to each other, the comical face to him, the broken finger game, the "I swallowed a pencil" joke, and the list goes on and on. All these things and more provide an absolutely necessary sense of order for Joel. Other things such as brushing teeth, combing hair, putting on clothes, tying shoes, washing hands, are all part of the routine of the day. We also enjoy the odd wave that occurs at a distance (this is a funny one since Joel will wave at me regardless of where I am or what I am doing).
Joel also develops routines with friends including, "How tall are you?" or special handshakes, or text messaging. All these and more serve as reminders to him that the world is stable, that love surrounds him, that there may be some bad things but the good things happen every day. Joel's need to hear music, play music, and talk to his family adds to the ever present need for routine and familiarity.
For the non-autistic, such routines could become commonplace, dull, lacking in spirit, missing the element of spontaneity. Most of us seek adventure in some form or another. But for the autistic, adventure is not found in the new, it is found in the comfortable.
1 comment:
I find all of this to be very true. I have two cousins that are autistic and are just now in high school. Both are very bright and sharp. They do live their lives with their comfort zone, and they do get there thrill and adventure from the daily routines, however varied they may be from the norm. I remember the first couple of times I saw them when they were really young and couldn't necessarily remember me. They shyed away from me and at times even had fits because I was not part of their everyday life and was basically upsetting the balance. Something was off. Gradually I have spent more and more time with them and they have become less and less inclined to become upset about my visiting.
From a musical standpoint, variation techniques do indeed sum up a good understanding of differentiating from the norm just enough to be a little bit more unique but still retaining qualities of the original. To me I find this music intriguing because the composer is obviously trying to think of multiple different ways and perspectives of writing out a general theme. Sometimes it can seem very repetitive and dull to our ears, but if the composer and performer have done well enough at conveying the intent of the music, there should be just enough difference where each variation of the theme has its own unique characteristics and ideas they are trying to portray.
It is interesting to note how music can relate to more than just our hearts and emotions in everyday life. Great find and truth in this entry.
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