tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8466691337834051176.post8661211228474767535..comments2024-03-01T03:37:20.420-05:00Comments on I'M SOMEWHERE ELSE: affectionate disability issuesAmanda Foresthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04200794053287551087noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8466691337834051176.post-54222178408269968082010-03-28T09:35:59.367-04:002010-03-28T09:35:59.367-04:00Argh, I know what you mean! The kids I work with c...Argh, I know what you mean! The kids I work with can be very physically affectionate. And it's a very fine line. With the oldest, for example, I am very comfortable saying "no thank you" and moving him away, because he really doesn't discriminate who he's affectionate to and he's at the age where he will get in trouble if he walks up to some random and wraps ou in a hug. <br /><br />But the youngest, on the other hand, in addition to being absolutely ADORABLE, is also less...oppressively affectionate? I don't know the word. But it seems like, whereas the oldest is invading your space and not really attempting any sort of connection, the youngest really wants to communicate with you, or attach to you, and does that physically. And it's much harder to say no. I mean, it's not appropriate for him to be kissing people. But playing around, or hugging, feels fine to me. And often, when you're holding his hands, he seems more focused and communicative, which is our goal.<br /><br />So I don't know, but I agree that it's frustrating and confusing.<br /><br />(And the point that ID people can be creepers too! is very important.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com