Holding objects.

Do any of you have kids that constantly hold things in their hands? Ever since mine were little they have done this. As soon as Kirsty could grasp objects she held onto them for hours and then as she got older, days and weeks at a time. Everything from toothbrushes and spoons to the infamous frying pan and the latest obsession... the red snooker ball. For whatever reason, she just loves to hold things in her hand. Logan is the same. When he was tiny it started with empty plastic water or juice bottles. Now it's books or empty puzzle boxes. Just recently he was quite attached to an empty quality street box. He carried it around for days!! I've always wondered why they do this. I know it's some sort of sensory requirement but because they are non verbal they can't tell me why they feel the need to do it. My curiosity gets the better of me with things like this so I consulted my good friend Google!! I like to look at online forums, and read the discussions. You'd be amazed what you can learn!!
I googled " holding objects " and this answer really struck me. This teenage guy with Aspergers was asked about holding objects and he explained it by comparing it to a hug.
The part that interested me was when he said " he gets a strange aching pressure in his hands when he doesn't hug or hold something ". Kirsty and Logan both get so excited when they have things in their hands but at the same time it relaxes them. I sarted to think of how I feel when I'm hugged. It's so comforting and feels lovely. As humans we crave closeness, but unfortunately a lot of kids with ASD can't tolerate that kind of interaction. Take Kirsty for example. She is a very affectionate child but it's all on her terms. Some days she clings to us for cuddles, other days she will push you away and say " go away " when you try to hug her. I think this helps to explain why she is so attached to objects. Holding them is like a hug for her hands. Maybe her hands are where she feels that strange and aching pressure. I certainly see her visibly relax once she holds those things she loves, and if they are lost she always finds another thing to replace it.
For Logan, who has no problem at all with hugging, the objects seem to serve as a constant comfort. He needs that feeling all day long. To manage his anxiety and his stress levels we squeeze him as much as we can but obviously we can't do it 24/7 which he'd happily love. Logan is on the other side of the spectrum where this is concerned. He is that child that demands physical contact all the time. I've often had throbbing arms from him.squeezing them all day long. He craves it so much,that again I go back to that " strange aching pressure" feeling my Google friend described.
Is that why he does it? Jesus I'm rambling on!! 😂😂😂
I wish they could answer some of the million questions I have in my head somedays. Maybe someday they will, and then I'll have an answer!!
Until then, I'll keep researching to try and shed some light of the traits of autism in our house to share with you all.
I've always felt that sharing spreads awareness and the more we have of that the better!!

Elaine.
❤