Man with Asperger’s used to spend 23 hours a day in his room—a flock of geese changed everything
Mental illnesses and conditions are tougher to deal with than one could imagine. Finding something worthwhile to pull you through it makes the difference of a lifetime. A man named Daniel was diagnosed with Asperger’s and was battling PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, trauma and nightmares, as per Newsweek. Due to this, he would prefer to be secluded and in his room for nearly the entire day. Undoubtedly, this was taking a toll on his life but Daniel found himself helpless until a flock of geese changed everything in a wholesome way. According to Web MD, Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder that is associated with those on the autism spectrum.
The term is not prominently used in the medical field today. However, the condition pushes people to be socially distant and follow specific routines. Daniel’s mother, Angel Stroik, revealed that she, too, was worried for her son. While battling so many struggles, he also met with an accident and that made things far worse. "Everything stopped. He has been stuck since that moment. He doesn't drive or leave the house,” the mom remarked. She added that he’d spend 23 hours in his room and it was concerning. In a video on TikTok, the mom revealed what helped him find his silver lining — a flock of geese. "Since getting the geese, that has all changed,” she revealed.
Daniel now has a flock of geese he tends to. Looking after their needs is a major responsibility and he’s been taking it seriously. He started going out twice to thrice a day just so he could take the geese out. "He gets up early in the morning to let them out and makes sure to put them away every night," the mom wrote in the caption. Along with the responsibility, he found a passion. "It has given him purpose that is beyond himself,” she added. In another video, the mom captured Daniel casually strolling out to find the geese he’d left in the yard. He called out to them and looked around and it was heartwarming to see them find their way to him.
@harmonyfamilyfarm This is my son Daniel. He is 32 years old and has special needs. Daniel spends most of his days shut up in his room with the only interaction with people being on the computer. He suffers with PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, and Asperger’s. Since getting him the geese he comes outside at least three or four times a day to sit and talk with them. He gets up early in the morning to let them out and makes sure to put them away every night. It has given him purpose that is beyond himself. If anyone ever tells you that animals are not therapeutic, they don’t know what they are talking about. #harmonyfamilyfarm #farmlife #fyp #geese #geeseoftiktok ♬ These Memories - Hollow Coves
Yet another clip captures the geese expressing their love to Daniel through pecks as he lay on the grass on a bright sunny day. "Sometimes, it's easier to care for others than it is ourselves," the mom said. Emphasizing that “animals are therapeutic,” she added, “They have given him a new purpose and reason to get out of bed every morning. They have truly been a blessing I didn't know he needed."
@harmonyfamilyfarm The geese were behind the house when Daniel came out to holler for them. If you turn up the volume you’ll hear them start calling back to him. So adorable! #harmonyfamilyfarm #danieldolittle #fyp #geeseoftiktok #geese ♬ original sound - Farmama 🐔
While it might seem like a small gesture, it means the world to people struggling to take even one step at a time. And many knew what that felt like and showed Daniel encouragement and support. @livbellacrystals said, “Animals know he has the purest heart and best energy.” @lifesabeachoc added, “Now Daniel is living and not just existing.” @cheese.and.quacke7 remarked, “I, too, struggle with PTSD and my birds give me a reason to stay even though sometimes it feels impossible. I’m so glad Daniel has them.”
@harmonyfamilyfarm The love ❤️ #harmonyfamilyfarm #danieldolittle #fyp #geeseoftiktok ♬ take a moment to breathe. - normal the kid
You can follow (@harmonyfamilyfarm) on TikTok for more content on healing and mental health.
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