Tarzan is autistic!

  I have been thinking about this post for a while now. Scout's stereotypical autistic behaviors (noises, hand movements, eye-blinking, etc) have been getting worse. It's easy to see that he can't help it. It seems like the noises help with his anxiety, like a pressure valve. He uses it most often in crowded places (like stores, etc) and when there are a lot of people. You know, the kind of places you really would like a child to be quiet (concerts, awards ceremonies, church). The more people and noises there are, the more anxious he gets. The noise he makes the most is like a higher-pitched Tarzan yell. It always gets "the looks" from people. Some are even so helpful as to say things like, "Oh, I hear Tarzan, " or to do the yell back to him. I cringe, realizing that will unleash another volley of sound from my never-out-of-air boy. Then, as usual, there are people who try to help, telling Scout "Shhh," or "You need to be quiet." Are you people trying to kill me, really?! Or maybe send me to the Looney Bin?! I'm ok with his noise, and his need for it, so why can't you be? Can't we all just get along?!
  I know that it is ear-shattering. I know that it's disruptive. But until we can find something to help him with his anxiety that isn't so inconvenient for those around him, we'll all just have to deal with it! 
  It hit me one day-  Tarzan must be autistic! There's the noise, obviously. Then there's the constant need to swing from vine to vine, tree to tree. The lack of social skills, inappropriate gestures and grunts. He also has no understanding of personal space. I think he grew up in the best possible environment-  the jungle. He fits right in, no one telling him, "You need to be quiet here." He's a happy guy, that Tarzan!
  Scout is noisy. He can't go very far without doing a somersault or flip, or without climbing absolutely everything. He tends to have mannerisms that put people off. He LOVES to get in your face! But, unfortunately for him, we are not in a jungle. While we are attempting to teach this little wild-man how to fit in in a non-jungle environment, please be patient, and look at that smile. He's a happy guy! My boy, Tarzan!

     AhhhAwwwwAhhhhAwwwwwAhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!