Just want to cuddle.

[strugglingdaily]

I just want to cuddle my 15 year autistic son. He hates being close to anyone but has any other mother just yearned to hug them. He struggles with all social situations, speech isn't good. Is very much a loner. I know you will all say as long as he is happy and of course that is the main thing. Loves school and is doing really well although he seems to be targeted by bullies.

Yes this is about me which is wrong just need to know I am not alone.

I understand what you mean, my son is 14 with autism and he’s similar in that he hates being too close to people or being hugged. It can be difficult but it is what it is really. I’m happy to chat

Thank you very much for your reply. It's nice to know it's not just me. As a family we have been going through a difficult time and a hug would be lovely. Does your son show any emotions? Mine is on one level lol.

My son does show emotion but he’s not very expressive, for instance if he’s sad he won’t make it known and it’s hard for someone to tell. Has he always been this way or did it get worse the older he’s gotten?

He's always been this way but like you say you can tell how they feel. He was always very cuddly until covid and now he won't go near anyone. I really think covid has played a big part in this.

Does he have a fear of germs/illnesses perhaps? When you say cuddly what do you mean?

He has OCD. Just a quick hug. We are the type of family that we give a hug to when grandparents call and are leaving. He will shake hands but won't hug. I am starting to think it's due to a fear of germs from covid.

It could be that because he’s getting older and changing combined with his fear if covid that he doesn’t want to anymore