I have read an article about how cuddling is something of benefit to those who are on the Autism Spectrum. It seems to be a working and expanding field and there are things that should be understood I feel. What are your thoughts on this?
This could be beneficial in a huge way for those on the spectrum who are severely affected by the aspects of autism that can cause someone to have asocial tendencies. Surely even if one has a hard time socializing it doesn't mean they aren't interested in having a special connection.
I have yet to cuddle with anyone who is on the spectrum, but would love to get that chance so that I can better associate with those who are autistic. I was misdiagnosed as an Aspie when I was younger mainly due to being "high functioning", highly antisocial and unable/unwilling to communicate properly or make friends with my peer group, so while I don't have autism, it would be a pleasure to find someone who so naturally relates to these traits, because they can be part of being on the spectrum.
I would think if anything, it would be very strengthening and possibly reassuring for autists who may have a hard time connecting with others.
My son is autistic and everyone on the spectrum is different. One of the main things they have in common are sensory issues. So while one person may like cuddling, another may not. Things like clothing texture, ambient sounds, the room temperature, how the person smells could all affect each person differently. My son loves to be swaddled and it helps him relax. He also loves really soft textures like plush blankets. So he benefits from it.
I actually have Aspergers myself and trust me, cuddling for me personally is so helpful! I'm not going to go into massive detail about myself as frankly there'll be people who will probably think I'm just being attention-seeking if I did, but I will say that I had an immensely painful childhood, much of it because of what I've got and how people responded to it, and that pain hasn't really gone away all that much since then despite now being in my early to mid-20s; when I'm cuddled up with someone though, I just forget about all of that for the whole duration and there's honestly no feeling like it
As stated already though, everyone with autism and other related conditions or disabilities, however you wish to refer to them, is affected differently to everyone else, there will be some who don't really like to cuddle or even like any physical contact altogether. Me personally though, I love it and I'd be surprised if anything comes up that changes that fact about me.
Thanks for the feedback. I do appreciate everyone's insight.
As a person who deals with the FGC, I deal with hundreds of people with autism and aspergers. I'd have to say it would be challenging for the pro cuddler to do so.
Not all autism is the same, many fear affection or even skin contact and absolutely loathe even a kiss while others don't. A lot lack the mental capabilities of basic communication/emotions so even what might work for some others just are permanently incapable of getting used to affection. Just my two cents.
As an autistic adult I am not touch-averse like the stereotype says. I was at one time but not anymore. On my profile I have outlined the history of how I became interested in cuddling. NON-sexual physical affection is more important to me in a relationship but when I'm single I MUST have access to platonic cuddlers whether professional or otherwise wherever I am!
As already mentioned, it ultimately depends on the person. Some really have a hard aversion to touch, whereas others crave it as much, if not even moreso than neurotypical folk. So it's really something that has to be communicated, as with any other person, really.