Your illustrations are lovely MaryAnneSingleton.
Will have a read of your blog properly soon. DS1 who is severely autistic probably has more problems from his compulsive behaviours than anything else (even being unable to speak is less of a problem tbh). Will be interesting to see your view.
Interestingly ds1 has learned to manage his compulsions over the year (eg making me lock the kitchen door so he didn't have to go and watch the entire washing machine cycle - until that moment I thought he did it because he liked it, not because his body left him with no choice).