Adam Robison | Buy at photos.djournal.comAutism Center of North Mississippi registered behavior technician Jeff Scruggs works with John Thomas Hedges on a sensory stimulating activity using shredded paper. Because handling shredded paper is one of his favorite things, it serves as motivation for the 10-year-old with autism to engage with his therapy team. By Michaela Gibson Morris Daily Journal For 10-year-old John Thomas Hedges, happiness is tossing around shredded paper. “It’s a need, like you would scratch an itch,” said his mom Jennifer Hedges.