Today at the playground, my 3 year old walked right up to a man who was across the playground with his son nearby on a slide. My dd is super friendly but sort of lacks that innate caution with strangers. She walked right up to him saying "Hello!", even sitting beside him on the bench before I called her back. Of course, I want her to be friendly, but how do you teach stranger danger awareness to ASD kiddos? I told her "I love that you wanted to say 'hi', but next time, first say 'Mom, come with… read more
This is a toughie. My son went thru a phase where any time he was near a man he wanted to touch their ears. For example if there was a man in front of us in a pew at church. They were often gracious and kind but once—of all people—a male therapist who snapped at my son and said “hey man, not everyone likes being touched.” I was like “hey man, its his way of saying he likes you.” My son of course was frightened and confused. And I was ticked off and worried all at once.
My son also went thru a stage of wanting to sniff people.
I say to him and my husband, I cannot make the world smaller for you. But I can do what I can to keep you safe.
I explained to E that not all people are bad and not all are good. Do not talk to strangers and don’t ever take candy from strangers. She doesn’t.
If they understand I would say we have to keep social distance they might be sick or afraid we are sick and we have to keep a distance And ask if they can talk from a distance (even if you believe it or not)
I have the same issue with my son and it can be terrifying.