Helping autistic toddler with change

I need ideas on how to help my autistic son deal with change. He is 3 and my situation is my husban joined the army national guard and left for basic 2 weeks ago. First week he was okay but this week he has regressed and is falling apart. I am keeping everything as normal and routine as always only change is my husband not here but he does not want to be touched, screams and kicks and hits at you if you pick him up, i have to fight him to let me wash and brush his hair teeth which we had finally gotten him okay with, he wont talk to is just repeating everything we say and very fussy and lining up everything and wont eat anything but goldfish. I know this isnt odd behaviors for a child with autism its just we already got him better about all that and he fusses and has meltdowns constantly now so how can i help him deal with it. I show him pics of his dad when he says something about him and tell him he is at work and will be home soon. Any ideas would help?

Maybe some social stories? A personalized calender showing when he'll be home. A blanket, pillow case or stuffed animal with his dads picture on it from a company like hugahero.com

<blockquote><b>Quoting ♡Sarah♡ + 2:</b>" Maybe some social stories? A personalized calender showing when he'll be home. A blanket, pillow case or stuffed animal with his dads picture on it from a company like hugahero.com"</blockquote>


Never seen those stuffed animals before he might like that i will check

I'm sorry mama, I know how hard change can be. My 6year old has aspergers. It sounds like you're doing everything you can do to help with the change. The only other thing I can think of is to offer him some of his clothing whether it be a favorite or shirt that he is use to seeing your dh wear andspray them withsome of his cologne so it smells like daddy. Or even get a big teddy bear and spray that and explain any time he misses daddy to hug his bear. He may reject both ideas at first but you never know. I am so sorry he's having a difficult time.

<blockquote><b>Quoting wilde_mommy:</b>" I'm sorry mama, I know how hard change can be. My 6year old has aspergers. It sounds like you're doing ... [snip!] ... daddy to hug his bear. He may reject both ideas at first but you never know. I am so sorry he's having a difficult time. "</blockquote>



I will try the shirt thing he might like that too. Its just hard to explain to him when he is so little and autistic.

Quoting Mommyof2boys :" <blockquote><b>Quoting wilde_mommy:</b>" I'm sorry mama, I know how hard change can ... [snip!] ... I will try the shirt thing he might like that too. Its just hard to explain to him when he is so little and autistic."

I understand. Just hang in there, I hope things get easier.

<blockquote><b>Quoting wilde_mommy:</b>" I understand. Just hang in there, I hope things get easier."</blockquote>




Thank u