Autism and the need for cuddling

anakilianakili
in General

One of the hardest things I've ever had to seek is affection from a male. Particularly one bigger than me. Finding out I'm autistic helped me understand how normal my needs are, not to mention elements of trauma that play their part. Did you know there are actually devices used to squeeze and cuddle kids/ adults on the spectrum? I think its beautiful. My folks are not touchy feely at all so you can imagine the confusion and downright desperation of creating my own imaginary buddies to be close to. I also have OCD so my preferences are extremely narrow. Hope you all are well!

Comments

  • cuddlefaerycuddlefaery

    Neurodivergence definitely adds a different level of complexity to cuddling, particularly with our varying sensory issues/needs. We tend to be at higher risk for having experienced touch trauma, which means it's extra important for us to learn how to advocate for ourselves, practice consent & boundaries, and find safe trauma-informed people.

    Having difficulty with touch due to past traumas is actually what drove me to exploring platonic cuddling, and in the process I discovered just how much my nervous system thrives with lots of touch. I can tend towards both sensory seeking and sensory overload/avoidance, so it's always a balancing act 😅 but man, when I find cuddle partners who are adept at reading body language and great at proactive communication? They're worth their weight in gold.

  • anakilianakili

    You're telling the truth. I'm so glad you can identify with what I said. Yeah touch is always seen as only sexual and I'm so over that haha.

  • 1neThousandAyes1neThousandAyes

    I didn't expect to find people who share my thoughts so quickly.

  • JimmysBrotherJimmysBrother

    Support Autism Awareness.

  • JimmysBrotherJimmysBrother

    Jimmy house

  • [Deleted User]onerelaxedguy (deleted user)

    Yes! There is much truth to this yet as another person outlined, needs are complex and not the same for everyone.

  • cuddlefaerycuddlefaery

    @onerelaxedguy aye. People always seem surprised when folks have different symptoms and support needs, despite it having "spectrum" right in the name 🤣

    Fun tangent: one of the discussions in the ADHD world is renaming it something like "Variable attention stimulus trait (VAST)" or "Executive Function Spectrum Disorder (EFSD)"

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