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My son's dislike of people coughing/sneezing

CJB

My nine-year-old autistic son really hates it when people cough/sneeze, especially so if it's me or his dad. He doesn't even like it if me or my husband touch our nose. He gets very angry and usually has a meltdown about it, especially at home.  At home and when out with me, his dad, brother and sister, he'll angrily shout out, 'Sticky boggies'.  However, if we are with family that he sees little of he'll control his behaviour and will then whisper to my husband or me 'Boggies' to which we have to reply 'No boggies'.  I find myself trying to run into the garden to cough/sneeze if I can do so in time so as to avoid his angry meltdowns.  My older two chldren are aged 11 and 16 and aren't keen on joining us for trips out because of his behaviour.  It's very draining and uncomfortable for us all. 

Can anyone give me any advice?

  • I’m not sure if you’re still active, but how did you and your son handle it as he got older. I am autistic and his reaction sounds very similar to mine. Even being older, it can still cause a meltdown or extreme anxiety but when the sneezer washes their hands I feel a bit better. Just wondering if you guys found something that worked!

  • Hadn't even crossed my mind that you were not using tissues. I

    actually meant in the muffling sense and hence also mentioning the

    handkerchief - startling events softened as it were.  

  • Naturally we do use tissues.  It's the sound and sight of anyone coughing or sneezing that upsets him.  Therefore, if I can avoid coughing/sneezing in his presence then I will.

  • I assume that 'Sticky Boggies' translates as transmitable (coughed and sneezed out) and catchable

    (breathed in) bacteria, and hence possibly the effectiveness of saying, "No boggies" - when it comes

    to others coughing and sneezing.

    .

    Expaining or announcing maybe the difference between just a cough and sneeze and those related to

    illness could be useful, and maybe keeping a tissue or handkergchief close to hand would be more

    practical than having to run into the garden, and so fourth?