Indiscriminate hugging

My son started hugging others
He is 8 years old, while he always had this problem, unfortunately it worsened this summer as school was crap

Anyway he hugged the USPS guy twice. The first time I stopped it right away. Th second time he shut the door and I wasn’t outside the home , but the mail man yelled and I came out right away

He then proceeded to yell at me saying this cannot keep happening

Since then he hadn’t delivered our mail x 3 days . Someone else dropped the mail today

I got a different door lock
And have been insisting he not hug anyone
I cannot be with him 24 hours. We have a private patio and a small yard in front of our home and he does not hug everyone
I am always with him 90 to 95% , however If I go inside for something...
Please suggest some help for me

Indiscriminate hugging

Hi, Sounds like he's sensory seeking. Does he have any other tactile sensory sensitivities? If you haven't already I would have him evaluated for OT. Sometimes swimming helps (the pressure from the water).
In the meantime, you can check out a therapeutic compression shirt.

Re: Indiscriminate hugging

Have you tried a social story? Definitely mention this to his teacher so the staff at school doesn’t encourage his hugging. Teach him alternatives, (wave, high five, thumbs up...). There are lots of social skills books that teach about personal space as well (personal space camp..)

Also why can’t you be with him when he’s outside on the patio? I have a 5 and 8 year old and I make them come back in with me if I need to go back inside for something.

Indiscriminate hugging

He is a non compliant child - will listen less than 50 percent
Miraculously if I drag him in , he can still unlock the doors
even if I am there this happens

I also have 2 kids - he is the elder, with behaviours, sterotypy, non compliance, non verbal ...

What is a therapeuitc compression shirt, ? Is it something like a weighted vest ?
I have never heard about it till now. I will look into it .Thanks
He receives OT in school, they have him with vest , but i certainly will look into it..
I am not sure if I need to see someone good for his issues..

I did enroll him in swimming for some time, will try again in September

I am not sure he can comprehend a social story. We are trying to say no hugging every time he is out...

Message edited 8/21/2018 11:17:23 PM.

Re: Indiscriminate hugging

The compression shirt is very similar to a weighted vest.

You should look into the Sensory Learning Program. It's not cheap, but I hear it does amazing things for kids.

Sensational Development in Massapequa also offers Sensory Integration and Wilbarger Deep Pressure Proprioceptive Technique, which may help with the hugging and touching.

Have his OT check for retained primitive reflexes as well.

Re: Indiscriminate hugging

Does he get ABA at home? Perhaps this is something the therapist can help with.