My son has Asperger's Syndrome and I'm incredibly proud of him. He's doing really well at mainstream school and tries very hard even when things are difficult for him.
I want to help his way through life as much as I can. But I know he faces challenges my other sons don't and that I really don't understand completely.
One such challenge seems to be knowing how close is too close.
For those of us not on the autism spectrum, personal space is one of those things you just know. Watching my kids, I observe that even my toddler has an understanding of this, one that my AS boy lacks.
It might not seem like a huge problem, but getting too close to someone or shifting away if they invade your space can make things feel all wrong. Lack of awareness of someone's 'personal space' can make social interaction very difficult and uncomfortable.
My question to adults with Asperger's is - how do you learn about personal space?
Is there a rule you can follow? Has someone given you some good advice you could pass on?
Please leave a comment here or email me at ellenarnison@hotmail.com.
Thanks very much.
UPDATE: I have been offered the suggestion that teaching someone not to come closer than you can reach with your elbow works for some.
I might not be very helpful in this instance. My brother and I are the type that don't like close contact, and so was very particular about keeping personal space.
ReplyDeleteWhat I learned about manners and such as a kid was to not do what I didn't want done to me. So if I didn't like people invading my personal space or bubble, I shouldn't get into other people's bubble.
Hi Corina, Thanks very much for your comment. Was it easy to learn the 'do unto others' rule?
ReplyDeleteI can help. I have Aspergers myself, and I learned about personal space by using these circles drawn on the ground with chalk. Make a "game" out of it. You can learn more about my experience here: http://ihaveaspergers.webs.com/apps/blog/show/12516167-personal-space
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Twitter: @AspergerSadie