Early years

I wonder if you can play with a quiet toy alongside him. Maybe he will join in your activity or be interested in it. He may enjoy your presence even if he can't cope with joining in.

My son does a lot on his own, but he notices if one of us is not here.

I have never coped with eye contact, in fact I don't understand how to do it without staring. I have learnt to look at something nearby to show I am listening.

I didn't like cuddles as a child which my parents found difficult but there were other things I could do with them. When I was a bit older than your grandson I used to cook with my mum.

I wonder if you can play with a quiet toy alongside him. Maybe he will join in your activity or be interested in it. He may enjoy your presence even if he can't cope with joining in.

My son does a lot on his own, but he notices if one of us is not here.

I have never coped with eye contact, in fact I don't understand how to do it without staring. I have learnt to look at something nearby to show I am listening.

I didn't like cuddles as a child which my parents found difficult but there were other things I could do with them. When I was a bit older than your grandson I used to cook with my mum.

Yes. One of my autistic children loved cuddles and one was not as tactile - but it didn’t negatively impact on our relationship. There are so many different ways to connect with another human being and form a close bond with them - it’s so individual but there’s always a way. As Homebird says above - just your presence means so much. The smallest things can mean so much. Autistic people are very sensitive and so even the smallest gesture or connection can be super important. I can’t tell you how glad I am that my children are autistic - i would never ever change that.