TIP of the WEEK: Personal Space

Personal space is a must learn social skill in order for your child to be a successful adult. Don’t wait to teach these skills because not addressing them now could lead to problems later in life. If your child does any of the following then you may want to start working on improving personal boundaries:
Stands too close to people when taking
Pokes or tickles peers or others even when it is clearly unwanted
Hugs for more than a few seconds and after the other person has let go
Hugs strangers
Jumps on people without warning

Kids with PWS have a difficult time understanding other people’s views and experiences so it is extremely challenging for them to see how invading personal space could be a problem. Constant reminders and practice are the best ways to eliminate this issue.

Use a hoopla hoop to show appropriate talking space. Explain that you should never touch anyone in the area where a girls bathing suit covers and always ask before hugging anyone except family. There are endless visual and tactile tools online to teach your child good boundaries- incorporate these tools into your daily life.

Practice and teach every chance that you get.

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.