Day #183

It was one of those napping kind of days for Josie, doesn't she look so sweet?! It seems she decides to nap on the days that we do not have session as if she doesn't get enough stimulation to stay awake. It could also be that she needs to catch up from all the stimulation she has on other days. Either way I am glad she napped early and hopefully it doesn't mess with her sleep cycle tonight.

Maeve on the other hand has been a go getter all day long, tearing paper, having the giggles, making sure every toy was on the floor, plucking poor Gilbert, and generally keeping herself occupied. That girl is never bored, she always finds something to do.

I asked Cathy last night: "I was wondering if you could shed some light on something that just occurred to me tonight, why would the girls stims and repetitive behaviors increase by 10 fold between 8 and 9p.m. nearly every night? It is like they have a sudden burst of every autistic behavior that they possess?" Her answer seems very logical and I am not sure why it didn't occur to me before, but she states: " It could be due to the collection of stress they build up in their systems throughout the day and, when they become tired at night, they use stimming behavior to self regulate." I wonder if other autism parents have realized this or have seen cycles or patterns in their children's behaviors? Just a curiosity and maybe worth following to find out, could be a paper involved, I know I find my girls fascinating maybe someone else would too! :D