Toddler with autism who doesn’t like touch ‘slowly lets in’ affectionate baby sister

A little boy with autism, who doesn’t like physical touch, learned to let his baby sister touch him, and it struck an emotional chord with TikTok viewers! 

TikToker Alex Jay (@alexjayyy06) is a busy parent of 6 who often shares videos related to adoption as well as caring for a child with autism. Jay recently shared a video where her son with autism, who doesn’t like touch, learns to enjoy being cuddled by his baby sister, and it’s so heartwarming to watch! 

The clip, which has over 10 million views and counting, begins with a shot of Jay’s adorable son wearing a onesie with tractors printed on it as his baby sister plays next to him. 

“Our son has autism and doesn’t like touch,” reads the video’s text overlay, over footage of her son skeptically looking at his baby sister

As his little sister grazes her fingers over his soft onesie, the little boy’s facial expression grows slightly uneasy, and he gently tries to push her hand away. 

The clip cuts to another shot of the siblings. This time, the little boy looks more comfortable as his curious little sister lightly touches his cheek, compelling him to crack a smile. 

By the final shot, Jay’s son is much more comfortable snuggling with his baby sister, and even initiates an embrace. 

Hearts all over TikTok melted over the siblings’ sweet exchange. 

“He needs her. She’s going to be his motivation,” said one user. 

“Yes! There’s something about a sibling that changes how they are with them compared to other people,” one viewer noted. 

“My autistic son didn’t like touch until his little sis was born, and he grew to let her and the [immediate] family in [eventually]. She woke him up,” shared one parent. 

According to WebMD, many children with autism struggle with sensory processing, but gently challenging them in a fun and playful way, as Jay does in the video, can help them learn important skills and coping mechanisms.

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