Cuddles and Hugs in Autism: The Less Obvious Role

Hugs can be appealing to autistic people for a wide range of reasons, which are often related to their unique sensory processing characteristics and ways of communicating. It is important to understand that autism is a spectrum, and therefore what is appealing to one person may be unbearable for another. However, there are some general explanations for why many autistic people enjoy hugs, although sometimes only according to their own rules.

1. The main and perhaps most common reason for this behavior is the need for deep sensory stimulation (or, scientifically speaking, proprioception).

Hugging provides this stimulation because it creates even and strong pressure on the body. This, in turn, stimulates the proprioceptive system, which is responsible for sensing the body’s position in space, as well as the tactile system.

• The calming effect is also important. Deep pressure stimulates the production of oxytocin, which is not called the “hug hormone” for nothing, and serotonin, while also reducing the level of cortisol (the hormone produced during stress). This physiological effect helps calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and making it possible to overcome sensory overload. Therefore, many autistic people describe the resulting feeling as a “reset” or “returning to their body.”

2. The entire nervous system is regulated, with periodic “tuning” being necessary because, in autism, the world may be perceived as excessively noisy, bright, and unpredictable, leading either to sensory overload or, conversely, sensory “starvation.”

• When there are too many stimuli around, a firm hug from a loved one can act as a “filter,” allowing the person to detach from what is happening around them and focus on one simple and pleasant sensation.
• Conversely, when there are not enough stimuli, physical contact can provide a powerful stimulus that makes it possible to “feel oneself” and deliver signals that calm the nervous system.

3. It is also important to consider that autistic people often experience difficulties with communication.

Therefore, for those who find it difficult to choose words, understand social signals, or maintain eye contact, hugs can become an ideal language of nonverbal communication.

• When close people hug each other, the situation is clear and unambiguous, and therefore lacks the uncertainty that can accompany words or facial expressions. It is a direct and honest expression of love, support, or gratitude.
• As already noted, hugs also reduce the burden: they allow strong emotions to be conveyed without the need for complex verbal or social interaction, which may be difficult or even impossible for an autistic person.

4. Hugs can also create a sense of security and predictability, because physical contact with a familiar person follows a predictable pattern.

An autistic person knows in advance what to expect and anticipates feeling warmth and pressure, as well as a familiar smell.

• Under safe conditions, a person can feel protected, separated from the surrounding chaotic world by a clear physical boundary, which creates a sense of wholeness.

Nevertheless, there are almost always strict conditions without which hugs may provoke a negative reaction or become unacceptable.

1. The autistic person should control the situation—either initiate the hug or, at the very least, be able to determine its strength and duration independently. An unexpected hug, especially from behind, can cause severe stress and sometimes even develop into panic.
2. Hugs are acceptable only with a very small circle of trusted people.
3. The autistic person needs to be hugged firmly. Light, fleeting, or “sliding” touches, on the other hand, may be perceived by the nervous system as unpleasant, ticklish, or anxiety-provoking, and may even be interpreted as a sign of disregard.

For an autistic person, a hug is not simply a sign of love and tenderness, but a powerful tool for sensory regulation, a way to calm an overloaded nervous system, and a safe language of love that requires no words. In any case, attitudes toward physical contact are deeply individual, and what is acceptable or even desirable for one child may be impossible for another.

Therefore, the task is to bring the perception of hugs, and of the world as a whole, toward a common denominator. To achieve this, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause of the unusual reaction to the surrounding environment—that is, autism spectrum disorder itself.

There are many methods that differ both in the time required to implement them and in their effectiveness. Among them, cellular therapy occupies a special place as the most modern and promising way of combating autism. It involves administering the patient’s own stem cells, which are not attacked by the immune system, thereby eliminating rejection. Their unique characteristic is their ability to transform into other, already specialized, cells of the body. This makes it possible to replace damaged brain cells whose malfunction leads to various psychophysical disorders.

This technology has been mastered by leading clinics around the world, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center. Highly qualified specialists work here with state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of this minimally invasive intervention. Rehabilitation takes little time, and positive changes in the child’s behavior become noticeable soon afterward. Additional advantages of the center include treatment costs, which are lower than in other countries, as well as assistance with travel planning and accommodation.

Undergo cellular therapy—and let hugs bring nothing but joy!