Children diagnosed with autism or autism spectrum disorder, may display various signs and symptoms, which may include object attachment. Parker and Lucas, both 2 years old and were diagnosed with the disorder, had their object affection imprinted on a blanket and a teddy bear.
Lucas, who lives in Mississauga, was reunited with his lost Teddy Bear, Saturday. Apparently, the stuffed animal is his safety toy and it makes him calm down whenever he gets upset, CityNews learned.
Parker, on the other hand, finds his safety and comfort in the form a blanket, which is now tattered. Crystal Eldridge, mother of the little boy from Massachusetts, explained that whenever his son was upset he would wrap the blanket around or nuzzle himself to it, Inside Edition reported.
Lucas' mom, Jessica Hoffart, and Elridge went to the extent of asking help online to remedy the problem they were having with these objects, one got lost and the other one was already worn out. Hoffart reportedly created a Twitter account to find the lost bear while Elridge reached out to Christine Blackmon, who took it to Facebook to look for the same blanket since they couldn't find it anywhere else.
Children with autism reportedly become fixated on objects, then they become their source of safety and comfort. Luckily, the parents' pursuit of finding the Teddy Bear and the blanket was a success.
There are a couple of things or incidents which may trigger anxiety in a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Some may appear to be harmless and safe for many individuals but to children with autism they may provoke a frightening feeling.
The bear and the blanket were Lucas and Parker's source of relief, and imagine what would they both feel if they lost them forever. This is why their parents are so determined to find these objects.
Experts and researchers had developed numerous treatment options for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The most important role, however, goes to the parents as they are being advised to be vigilant for the early signs and symptoms of the disorder for early intervention.
