Hi, I'm new here so I hope this is the right place to ask this. I was recently diagnosed as autistic as an adult, so naturally I've been learning all about autism and understanding myself better, and questioning things about myself and whether or not there might be a link to my autism. One thing I'm struggling to find clear answers on is whether or not my touch- aversion and issues with physical affection are a part of my autism. Whenever I look it up, outdated research that is usually based on male children comes up and this isn't what I'm looking for as an AFAB adult. When it comes to physical affection, I mostly find it unnatural. It doesn't seem to occur to me to give hugs and be affectionate as often as it does to other people, but even when I do feel the urge to hug someone, I just don't? I don't know whether or not it's socially appropriate and I would hate to make them uncomfortable so the safe option is to just not do it, and the idea of attempting to feels awkward and embarrassing. People have also told me that I "give off the vibe" that I don't like being touched, which confuses me because I don't mind it when they do hug me or show affection towards me. Sometimes it takes me by surprise and I don't like that, but it doesn't feel particularly bad. I've heard some autistic people say they don't like touch due to sensory reasons, but so far I don't think this is the issue with me. If anything my guess it that it's more of a social difficulty issue. If anyone has any thoughts or relates please let me know.
