Persons with autism are easily overwhelmed by change. Routine and sameness are very important to them. Growing up in a military family brought many changes to Aaron’s life and he’s learned to adapt very well. But sometimes it’s the little things that get him flustered. For instance, one day I noticed that the water in our guest bathroom faucet was coming out at an angle instead of straight down. When Aaron got home that afternoon, he ran in there to use the bathroom and when he turned the water on to wash his hands, he came running out saying, “Mom!! The water in the bathroom is bent!!” The bent water coming from the faucet was a topic of conversation for some time after that.
Therefore, when I bought a different brand of toilet paper a couple weeks ago the first thing I thought of was the fact that Aaron would not only notice the change but he would certainly comment. I put the first of the new rolls out and when he used it yesterday it did – uh – leave an impression, so to speak. Here’s the old toilet paper:
And here’s the new toilet paper:
And Aaron’s comment: “Mom! That new toilet paper is weird!”
Me: “So what’s weird about it, Aaron?”
Aaron: “Well, it’s got lines on it. I’ve never seen toilet paper with lines on it. That’s weird!”
I assured him that the new toilet paper was just fine and he assured me that he would use it. He better! I’m hoping that this uncertainty about the lined toilet paper will soon pass and will come out just fine in the end. Puns intended. Sorry.
He Said What?! 