“He Doesn’t Like Being Touched. Not Even by Me.”
Tulsi
“I Tried to Hug Him. He Pulled Away.
I Tried to Kiss His Cheek. He Cried.
I Thought I Had Lost Him.”
Lakshmi's son wasn’t cold. He wasn’t angry.
But every time she tried to hold him, he turned away.
She thought:
“Maybe he’s moody. Maybe it’s a phase.”
But when he refused to sit in her lap, flinched during dressing, and screamed during bath time — she stopped guessing.
“I asked myself… Does he even know I love him?”
🧠 When Touch Feels Like Threat
At Pinnacle® Hyderabad (ECIL), occupational therapists explain:
“Some children, especially those with autism or sensory processing disorders, experience tactile defensiveness.
To them, a gentle touch may feel like pain. A hug may feel like overwhelm.”
Signs include:
Avoiding skin contact
Screaming during grooming
Refusing clothes, shoes, or brushing
Backing away from affection
Discomfort even with trusted caregivers
📞 The Moment That Broke Her
Lakshmi remembers it clearly:
“I tried to brush his hair before school.
He looked terrified. Not annoyed — terrified.
That’s when I called 9100 181 181.”
The Pinnacle® coordinator said:
“He’s not pushing you away. He’s protecting himself. Let us help.”
They booked a free AbilityScore©® sensory screening at Pinnacle® ECIL.
📊 His AbilityScore©® Explained the Withdrawal
Tactile Sensory Response: 🔴 Red (450/1000)
Emotional Regulation: 🟡 Yellow
Motor Planning: 🟢 Green
Social Play: 🟡 Yellow
He wasn’t unreachable.
He just needed a different bridge to get there.
🤖 TherapeuticAI©® Built the Path — One Gentle Step at a Time
His therapy plan included:
Brushing protocol with deep pressure
Touch gradient exposure (sand, rice, lotion)
Hand-over-hand play-based grooming
Weighted lap pad routines before affection
Parent desensitization training with therapist feedback
By week 4:
He let Lakshmi comb his hair
Giggled when she held his hand during a story
Said “Amma” and placed her hand on his shoulder
“He didn’t just accept my love — he reached back.”
💬 What Lakshmi Tells Every Parent Now
“If your child avoids your arms — don’t assume they’re avoiding you.
Start therapy. Not blame.
And you’ll find your way back.”
🌍 This Autism Awareness Month — Understand The Touch That’s Missing
If your child: ✅ Pulls away from hugs
✅ Refuses grooming or dressing
✅ Cries during physical contact
✅ Sits alone and stiff even when loved
…it’s not rejection.
It’s tactile sensory aversion — and it can be healed.
📞 Book Your Child’s Free Sensory Therapy Screening in Hyderabad (ECIL)
📞 Call the Pinnacle® National Autism Helpline: 9100 181 181
🌐 www.Pinnacleblooms.org
📍 ECIL | Tarnaka | Habsiguda | Uppal | Malkajgiri
✅ Free AbilityScore©® Sensory Zone Report
✅ Touch Regulation Plan via TherapeuticAI©®
✅ Home Coaching for Parents + Telugu Language Support
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational and awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For expert guidance tailored to your child’s needs, please consult a qualified healthcare provider or contact the Pinnacle® National Autism Helpline at 9100 181 181*.*
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