Too Much of a Good Thing

Too much of a good thing—that seems to be the theme in my house this past week. 

TJ had a great time at science camp and came back with everything he was supposed to (due, in part, to a warning that he would pay 50% of any replacement costs).  But even he would admit it was probably a little too much of a good thing. He came off the bus with a hoarse voice because he overdid the screaming at the closing assembly.  He was also extremely tired (apparently it is fun to be with friends for 4 days, but you soon discover they snore when they sleep).

TJ’s homecoming was great for everyone, as we were truly grateful to God that he came back safe and sound.  But he has had this whole week off for Spring Break and that can definitely be a little too much of a good thing.  Being cooped up at home so much for TL’s therapy has made things even worse.  I would love a day at the park, so the boys can get rid of some of their excess energy.  Maybe tomorrow? Sigh, we’ll see.

Then there is TL.  His favorite therapist has left the organization and the replacement therapist has had to deal with a family emergency this week.  So, TL has had the same therapist all this week (and this is one that he doesn’t completely “click’ with).  After the second day, it was apparent that this was too much of a good thing.

When I mulled this topic over, I realized that “too much of a good thing” is so applicable to autistics.  The repetitive and obsessive behaviors that autism is “known for” are really instances of too much of a good thing.  It is considered normal to like trains, but some autistics take it to the extreme and memorize every type of train or pamphlets full of train schedules. 

My life is full of these “good things” taken to the nth degree—TJ with Transformers, TJ with Bionicles, TJ with Garfield, TL with circles, TL with Disney Channel, TL’s echolalia—oh and TL’s echolalia!  (Can you tell I am a little tired of hearing the same phrase repeated 50 times?).   I guess I should be a little more used to dealing with “too much,” but, alas, I still feel like a novice.

Maybe next week will be more balanced—meaning just the right amount of too much!