Interesting observation

JDancer

The nurse who evaluated my LO for hospice made an interesting observataion. He watched my LO's hands and asked if he had ever been screened for autism. ( I don't remember the exact wording, but he was very tactful) Later, he told me it looked like stimming behavoir, which is common with autism. My LO has no history of being on the spectrum, but it got me thinking. His dementia includes some autism like behavoirs- aforementioned stimming, sensitivity to touch and temperatures, strong reaction to sounds, ect. Not sure what to make of this, other than finding it interesting. Any thoughts?

Quilting brings calm

I think dementia has similar behaviors because dementia affects the brain. Dementia also causes anxiety and the behaviors you mention are attempts to cope with anxiety.

harshedbuzz

@JDancer

I have often remarked here that I found dad's descent into dementia felt, at times, like a form of acquired ASD. I have an adult son with high functioning autism and dad reminded me of DS as a very young child.

Loss of empathy? check
Sensory issues with sound, texture, temperature? check, check and check
Absence of social filter? check
Repetitive behaviors? check

Restricted diet? check
Poor self-regulation? check
Vocal tics? check

Reliance on primary caregiver as their preferred person? check
Limited executive function skills? check

The main difference I saw was that emotional intelligence remains intact well into the later stages of dementia vs the lack of Theory of Mind in ASD. My dad, at his worst in the midst of a psychotic break, was able to parse immediately that the chief neurology resident was annoyed by him. My son, who was my constant companion, at 8 could not tell if I was happy, sad, distressed, in pain or just won the lottery.

That said, most people "stim". Neurotypical people just do so in ways that are more socially acceptable and less identifiable as such— nail biting, hair twirling, etc. are stims.

HB

JDancer

Thanks for the feedback. And the reminder that my LO knows if I'm losing my patience.