How to Teach a Child with Autism About Personal Space

One of the most common social difficulties children with autism have is understanding personal space. They often stand too close to others and don't realize they're making the other person uncomfortable. In this brief video clip, Tara Delaney, MS, OTR/L, describes her easy-to-use method that helps children with autism understand and apply the concept of "personal space," which in turn helps them adapt more easily into social situations.

[letyhr]

Amazing way to teach keep boundaries! Thanks

[AlexLarson]

I like this idea!! I have a six year old student with asd that has a hard time respecting personal space boundaries, but doesn’t mind (and actually usually enjoys) when others are in his space- any ideas for how to address this?

[benplayzgames]

Wow this is good dude my dad teaches really profound autistic kids I need to show him this and i also have autism I get in people space sometimes which I’m trying to work on

[bjonesrocksmysocks]

Interesting clip!
As someone who has a brother on the spectrum I've never taken this into account because I craved any and all the moments he was interested in me and what I was doing or how I was interacting with him, but I totally get this! As he gets older (he's 11 now) I do worry about how he interacts with others on a daily basis. There's been a few instances where he totally did not register being in someone's bubble and made that person feel uncomfortable or just made the situation awkward to say the least lol 😅 Even at work I have kids who when I call on them their first reaction is to either sit on my lap or hug me or touch my hand as they complete their work.. they are little and so adorable that I don't even think about it but imagine when they get to middle school and high school that's not going to be so cute anymore... I'll definitely like to try to teach the kiddos this in the new year 😁 but I won't stop any hugs if they want hug me! I love all my boys 😍 lol