These happen to be the mini blinds at the hospital, but the ones from home look very similar. What is it with destroying things? Why does Josiah leave a path of destruction in his wake?

Over the years he has trashed more things than I can count; TV’s, end tables, lamps, plates, cups, chairs, toys, books, Willow Tree angels, computers, iPads, toys, clothes, you name it.  I’m sure I’m forgetting some things.  Quite honestly, it doesn’t even phase me anymore.  It’s almost expected, as if it’s absolutely certain it will happen, it’s just a matter of time. 

These poor objects don’t know what hit them when Josiah is on the war path.  Nothing is sacred. Just before he went in the hospital he attacked the retractable window screen in our mini van. I wanted Josiah out of the van, he wanted to stay in. I opened the sliding door. Josiah pulled it closed. I pulled at it a 2nd time. He reached down into the groove where the screen is housed and began pulling it towards him. We were in a tug of war; my hand on the door handle, his on the flimsy, thin fabric. The screen lost and ended up mangled, and twisted, not able to slide back into it’s home.

Fortunately at the hospital there isn’t too much he can destroy.  It’s not for a lack of trying though. If anything is left out in the room, Josiah is relentless about getting it out of sight. He shoves most things in the closet, content not to have to look at them. Other things he stuffs in a drawer. No matter what I bring from home, besides food or beads, he immediately hides it away.

I’m not sure why he had it out with the mini blinds.  He wrestled with them 2 different times and obviously it was not pretty.

Someone explain to me why this is so.  Why do some kids on the spectrum become increasingly destructive? I read about this years ago and swore Josiah would never be one of those kids. Not my sweet, precious, loves-to-snuggle  Josiah.  Boy, was I wrong. Never say never!

I know there are raging hormones.  I know he has super human strength. I know all about frustrations and melt downs. But, is there something more I should know?  Is this something we will be living with for the rest of our lives?  Will it get better?  You guys with older kids who have walked this path, please tell me it levels off.  Lie to me if you must, but please tell me it gets easier.

Right now, it’s not too bad since there is very little Josiah has access to in his hospital room. Other than the damage he inflicted on those defenseless mini blinds, he’s rather harmless at this point.  But he will be home soon (I hope).  Is it unrealistic to expect him to peacefully coexist with the inanimate objects in our home?  I hope not.

Otherwise, our hall closet may not be too happy.