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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭

Usually I teach this to my son but I've always shared whenever I can
Or do you think this is passing on germs. bacteria or virus?

April 28
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A MyAutismTeam Member

Strategies for Promoting Sharing
Use Visual Timers: Use tools to show exactly how much time is left before a turn ends.
Practice Turn-Taking: Focus on "taking turns" rather than "sharing." Use games that involve passing objects back and forth.
Social Stories: Utilize short, visual stories to explain the steps of sharing and its positive outcomes.
Model the Behavior: Verbally explain when you are taking turns or sharing items.
Prepare in Advance: Warn the child before a turn ends to reduce anxiety.

Autism and Over-Sharing
In a social context, some autistic individuals may "over-share" personal details, often due to difficulties with social cues, intense focus on specific topics, or anxiety. This is not intended as rude, but rather as a genuine effort to connect or communicate directly.

https://affectautism.com/2024/03/01/sharing/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/tak...

A Developmental Perspective on Sharing | Affect Autism: We chose play
A Developmental Perspective on Sharing | Affect Autism: We chose play
April 28
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son is also possessive over his food, things, and people that he likes. I am Okay with it though because if your child or adult is a good sharer, my feeling is someone will creep right up to take advantage of their kindness..... That is how I see it.

April 29 (edited)
A MyAutismTeam Member

I don't share cuz ash puts everything in mouth. She's very oral. At school I ask them try not let others touch ash things which I know hard but she licks, sucks n bites n gets sick very easily if other students touch her things.

May 3
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son is very selfish. We have been working on this a long time. If I'm eating something and he asks for some naturally l give it to him. However if I ask him to share he never does.

April 29
MyAutismTeam

What a thoughtful question! Teaching sharing is a wonderful social skill to pass on, especially for children on the spectrum who may find social interactions challenging. Modeling sharing yourself is actually one of the most powerful ways to teach it.

Many autistic individuals can be sensitive to sensory experiences, which Show Full Answer

What a thoughtful question! Teaching sharing is a wonderful social skill to pass on, especially for children on the spectrum who may find social interactions challenging. Modeling sharing yourself is actually one of the most powerful ways to teach it.

Many autistic individuals can be sensitive to sensory experiences, which can sometimes make sharing physical items (like food or drinks) feel uncomfortable for them — and that's completely okay and valid. Here are some things worth keeping in mind around sharing and hygiene:

- Sharing objects like toys or books carries very low germ risk and is great for social development
- Sharing food or drinks does carry a slightly higher risk of passing germs, so it's worth being mindful
- Teaching hand-washing before and after sharing items is a great habit to build alongside sharing lessons
- Respecting boundaries is equally important — if your son feels uncomfortable sharing certain items, that's worth honoring too

It sounds like you're doing a brilliant job modeling generosity for your son! Keeping hygiene habits strong alongside sharing lessons is a great balance.

April 28

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A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭