DS, 4, very fussy about DVDs/TV etc

[TotalChaos]

DS has language delay, supposedly probably not ASD (hmm) is very fussy about which DVDs that are put on the TV at home. Tends to be very conservative about new characters/DVDs, so will really tantrum and refuse to watch. However he is fine with Cbeebies at home, and usually fine with watching whatever is on the TV in hotels etc, and tends to easily get engrossed on TV playing on screens when out. Anyone got any useful ideas to what this is all about? Thinking about what I've just wrote, it's like he only fusses when it's something he feels I or should that be he can control?

I definately think there is something in the control idea.

DS1 seeks the remote control for the tv and constantly switches channels when he has it, even if it is something he really wants to watch. It is like he is compelled to do so and has no control of it, although he finds it distressing.

Whereas for the most part, if I choose a programme I think he will like and hide the remote control, he will sit and watch it with no issues.

We recently had several meetings with an autism consultant, some of which were around the chaos and destruction he manifests in his playroom. The consultant suggested to me that perhaps DS1 was overwhelmed with the too much choice of toys and this was hampering his ability to choose and indeed play appropriately.

I think the situation with the television is the same thing for DS1.

DS isn't usually destructive, but can be very untidy - take all the pieces out of a toy/game, play with it for 2 seconds then go on to the next toy. His SALT reckoned that a disorganised mind goes hand in hand with the language impairment - and advised that DS should be encouraged to put one thing away before starting on the next.

I hope that the consultant came up with lots of helpful practical advice!

She did help a lot and I have a crammed to the point of bursting loft to prove it.

We did notice an immediate change of behaviour in DS1, he simply couldn't handle having so many choices and it really overwhelmed him.

I think the hardest thing for us always seems to be finding the right balance.