Something I explained elsewhere that I haven't really seen mentioned much is:

Touch aversion is real. It's also not, for all of us, an all-the-time thing. If my autism sensory stuff is under control, a hug can be REALLY NICE. But if I'm overwrought, NO, AWAY.

Asking is A+.

Consent for touch is not just for sexual situations. It's for everyday touches, too, and it matters. Do you want to be the reason I freak out? No? Okay, well, good news, I don't want you to be the reason I freak out either.

So ask me. I'll tell you.

And yes, that means every time. Just cause I gave you an okay once doesn't mean I'm in the same sensory-space I was the last time you asked. So, again, normalize asking "is it okay if I hug you?" and do your autistic friends a favor.

Luv,

An austistic

Also, as a rule: If you wear perfume or cologne, the answer is probably always going to be a no. Scent is my biggest trigger, not just for overstim but for migraines, too.

It's not anything personal. It's just how I'm wired. Sorry, perfume wearers.