It's funny isn't it, how many misunderstandings there are about autism considering how much it's been in the news and so on recently! I know LOTS of autistic people who hug, many who are able to maintain great eye contact, just like any other condition the INDIVIDUALS are all different. My friend's wee boy is very cuddly and you can walk up and hug him, but my own DD not so much, she will hug eagerly if asked first but wriggles away and complains if she doesn't get a request/warning. And sometimes she'd much rather high-five than cuddle. It makes those cuddly moments that much more special

My DD also has noise sensitivity, which is improving in some areas (can just about stand the hoover without screaming now) but worsening in others (the SIGHT of a hand-dryer sends her running from public loos before she's done a wee). She doesn't like pants and spends as much time as possible (including in public, which is getting tougher since it's November in Scotland and she is tall and looks about 5 rather than 3) wih her bum out...

The teacher sounds like a piece of work! You'd think she'd be more than happy to help such an academically able student in any way she could! Lulu's right, understanding makes a huge difference. I would say the one thing that has set me up to feel so little concern about how DD is is my previous understanding. I never think "why is she acting like this?" because i know why, and it's usually within the realms of "normal to me" too. The major issue we have right now is that she is VERY sensitive to other children screaming, and he wee autistic friend screams when he is distressed. She hand-flaps and rocks but doesn't scream, unless he screams, then his mum and i hug our respective screeching kids and just look at one another like "oh my god, not again!" lol.

Bx