It's hard seeing people react to my son with Down Syndrome. Today he tried to hug a lady

[Anonymous]

and she snapped at him :(

He's 15 now and has the body of an adult male. He's also going through puberty and is very interested in "pretty ladies". He'll tell me that he thinks women are pretty loudly when we're in public. I tell him that he's right, but he needs to be quieter when he says that. 

He's also always been friendly and loved hugging. Today at Wal Mart there was a 20-something girl in line ahead of us. He said she was "pretty" and hugged her from behind. She turned around and said "what the f*** are you doing? Don't touch me". And then stormed out of line.

In the car I told him that he can't hug people without their permission, something that I've said to him 1000 times before and that he's made a lot of progress on. But it hurt my heart to see him try to be loving and to be sworn at :(

[Anonymous 2]

:( poor kid

[TheDrsRose]

Keep a better eye on him. I've been the victim of random hugging,it's not that bad and I didn't storm off,then again I'm not a douche bag. lol

[ConnorsmamaKim]

You do understand why she was freaked out though, right?

[jaded_aquarius]

So he assaulted her and you coddled him? Way to hold him accountable for his behavior.....

[Snakecharm]

Sorry but I don't blame her. Maybe try role playing the appropriate ways he should behave. If he does that to the wrong person he could wind up with a knee in the crotch.

[MrsDavidB25]

 Well I would be uncomfortable with that too. I see your dilemna.

[Keara20]

I wouldn't want some random person touching me either.

[britmichele]

My son is 5 with downs syndrome, and this is a big fear of mine. Right now he will only hug a few people, but I'm sure that it will change. :( I wish I could give you advice, but you're 10 years ahead of me

[AliKatAK47]

I would be scared if some huge kid hugged me from behind, period. Down Syndrome has nothing to do with it. That's creepy. 

[miisha]

What an exaggeration.

Quoting jaded_aquarius: So he assaulted her and you coddled him? Way to hold him accountable for his behavior.....