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Hugs

NAS80219

Do hugs help you when you're having a bad day or just need one. Our students, some like it some don't, some like touch, some don't. Riley is just confusing and unique in her own way. We believe we've figured something out after nearly a year. 

On a bad day, she used to lash out and would have to be held/restrained but we don't call it that. But now we've changed our response, she no longer lashes out much. She might hit out once but that's it. We will offer her a hug and it helps. We believe holding her is like a hug but not as nice. Maybe all she needed was a hug, so lashed out because she new she would be held and it would calm her down and everyone was in control. Maybe?? 

  • I don't like hugs. I like my space and I feel that hugs invade that space and make me uncomfortable.

    Some people love hugs and it makes them feel better and warm. Not for me. I always feel awful and triggered after a hug.

  • Riley is very tactile at the moment. She is constantly shoving into staff, leaning on them, which we don't have a problem with but she's never done this before. Does anyone have a clue why she might be doing this. Weare just trying to understand why. She's leaning on one member of staff in particular, one she trusts. 

  • in reply to Peter
    Peter said:
    I'm very selective about who I like physical contact from.

    I think everyone is a bit like this, especially our students. There are some who will only want hugs from certain staff, some don't mind, and some don't like hugs at all. 

  • well that's a bit of a downer am a male and can't recall being hugged given hugs out yes but received... its been a few years 

  • in reply to Peter

    Riley hasn't spoken a word today. Literally, she is the most chattiest person and sometimes she just does not stop talking but today she said nothing. She was still her funny bubbly self. When she doesn't speak, she generally has a much better day and will tell us her worries and issues, not verbally, which is amazing. She did want a hug today. We believe she was seeking one by leaning on staff members. 

  • Autistic people like hugs, some of us. and kids generally will sometimes act out for attention. I'm very selective about who I like physical contact from. Close friends fine. Overly chummy acquaintances and people I've recently met not so much.

    I had one set of friends so close they'd basically start tickling me in public which was a bit of a mental overload and I ended up shouting at them to stop. I guess I didn't want to loose control in public. Thing is in private it wouldn't have been a big issue. I miss the contact now I no longer see them.