SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — It is often up to family members to care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For aging parents who can no longer give the care their adult children deserve, this can be an emotional roller coaster. But a Sioux Falls couple believes they have come across a solution.
Michael and Harriet Stuart have cared for their son Aaron his entire life.Born with autism, Aaron’s speech and social skills are limited. He wears headphones because he is sensitive to sound. One of Aaron’s happy places is the kitchen. Michael guides him through the recipe for muffins.
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“Now you pour a little bit at a time, stop, stop, good job, put this here, you mix that up, wonderful, great job! Michael tells his son as they mix ingredients.
You can hear Arron whispering as he works. Michael says he’s often reciting the lines of an entire movie. This is a common behavior. It’s called scripting and can serve to reduce anxiety for people like Aaron…