I am very proud of of you all! Always remember baby steps...love...support from family is so important. .I admire you all. As for me , we have been through the ringer with the school system. Make sure you get your psych/ educational evaluation from a Doc not affiliated with the school. That will order the school system know what to put in the IEP. Be vigilant PLEASE. Don't make the mistake I made.If your child starts acting strange make sure he/she isn't being bullied. Small private schools are best. Home schooling as well. They have a social component as well. These are just ideas...the public schools are required to educate each student with learning differences with a FREE "EXEMPLARY "
PUBLIC EDUCATION
SEE Endrew vs School department of Douglas County. New Federal Supreme Court decision in March a unanimous vote to change the meaning of FAPE Endrew F vs Douglas County School district.. Good luck. Sweet dreams 🙄

Jay gravitates towards certain people. He's touchy feely and hormonal, so we've been over the social stories with him countless times and it has helped. But sometimes he just can't help himself. If a woman is attractive to him, he will wave first, then ask for a hug. I too have to apologize regularly for his intrusions. I try to stay close to him without being obvious so he doesn't run from me. They usually say it's ok, some people even say "Thanks, I actually needed that, I'm having a rough day" or "I understand I'm a teacher/peds nurse, etc.." I honestly think kids on the spectrum can sense who they can offer their love to.

Yes, he's a space invader 😂. It's apart of their spectrum

That's sweet. Children with autism have such big hearts. My grandson is also very affectionate. He's so wonderful and never says a bad word about me or anyone else.

At home, in private, (no humiliation in front of strangers) do it to him. Not in a mean way. “Show” him what it feels like. Explain; this is how your buddy feels, what if your friends saw this? Tell him he may want to play but some play can hurt. He will understand. Be consistent. I don’t mean to be Insensitive but these are urgent life lessons.

I’ve always introduced to my kids (in a controlled setting) how others may feel in the situation you’ve described and ANY situation in which they are involved.

The battle is nearly won already. YOU are the defense. You are aware and have compassion for others and are hurting to think your child might embarrass or hurt others. That puts you AND your son way ahead of the game.

You’re a good dad.
😃