I am a high school student and I work with the autism class in the building. I have become good friends with a 13-year-old boy named Josef. He is verbal, but uses many phrases repetitivly. I try mainly to help him improve his social skills.
I was wondering if anyone has had trouble with explaining what "hurt" means. I know many people with autism have very high pain thresholds, as does Josef. the problem is he gives "high 5's" so hard it hurts, and he hugs so deep its hard to breath. After school he goes to a neighbors and he is hurting the other kids there. I think the reason he does it is that he gets a response, but does not understand why. If we tell him that it hurts he doesn't seem to get it. HOW CAN I EXPLAIN WHAT PAIN IS?

thanks for any suggestions!

------------------