Why do things that are "good" tip over into problems.

[Jimjams]

I'm sure you know what I mean. DS1 will for example play really nicely on the computer- he loves it- it takes over him but then it tips over into screaming- pretty quickly these days - can only tolerate it for about half an hour.

Ditto things like music

And this week the hoover. It was left out on Wednesday by mistake. He spent all Wed evening, Thurs evening looking at it, very happy and relaxed with a big gleam in his eye. Then last night he started geting a bit manic dragging it round the house. Then this morning he's gone manic about it (trying to throw it down the stairs for example) and the screaming has started. It's the same for everything he likes. he loves it, then he can't handle it and it tips him over. My friend's dd is the same with things like Clifford--she loves it so much she can only tolerate watching so much before she tips over and starts screaming.

Why do they do this?

[Davros]

I have found this with DS. Things that he really likes can upset him! I think what happens is that he gets overwhelmed with the pleasure iyswim! Often something he likes is obsessive and causes more trouble than its worth but settles down and then he sometimes completely loses interest. You can't ruddy win! (to use an Alan Partridge word)

[Jimjams]

Hmm it's intereting. NT ds2 doesn't do it in the same way- it does end in tears. I think this is more like Davros describes - being overwhelmed with pleasure. i think I've heard adult autistics say that about certain music- it's all encomapassing they can't cope with it. but I may have dreamed that (akthough I think its what happens to ds1) he used to go rigid and shake at 17 months when the olympics theme tune was played.

[KarenThirl]

Extreme excitement is certainly a trigger for J, so I guess that's similar. For him it means a general worsening of behaviour and more difficulty in keeping him under control - that's the time when we can't hold him still long enough to get eye contact and explain to him what's required. Do you have anything to distract ds when he gets like this Jimjams? I can sometimes bring J down with 'homework time' or something, but it's a very personal situation, isn't it?

[Jimjams]

The only thing we can do is remove the object. Hoover back in the cellar, music turned off, computer turned off etc.

[KarenThirl]

And does it bring him back down, when the offending item is no longer there? Does it take long to calm him?