Massage and Autism

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Hello,

I was wondering how others who are/may be on the spectrum felt about Massage. I was diagnosed when I was very little and I'm becoming a massage therapist. Before massage, I have very typical symptoms being uncomfortable with touch. With massage, I find that I actually become more comfortable in my environment once soothing touch in my day is established.
My classmate who is also on the spectrum seems to be aggravated by touch and only more aggravated the more you try.

What does massage do for you?

Never gotten a professional massage. My body being kneaded by a stranger does not sound appealing to me. Might like it once I experienced it though. I just don't feel like it's worth paying money for it.

I actually really like being touched (generally speaking). Just this morning a young man I first became acquainted with about a week ago approached me and started leaning against me while I was eating breakfast in public and I have to admit there was something kind of soothing about it. I have a friend who's also on the spectrum and he really strongly dislikes being touched. It was a little bit awkward at first because I've always liked rough-housing and hugging people but I understood from very early on that he really didn't... I imagine I'd really like massage

I don't like being touched by anyone but my girlfriend. I had a professional massage 1ce & I didn't care for it. However I love it when my girlfriend massages me.

Ironically, I have no issues with massage, but I think it's because I'm giving someone permission to touch me while having to let someone touch me against my desires (like hand shaking) makes me squirm.

massage is one of the touches that i enjoy. unfortunately i can only afford one maybe every decade or so.

I've actually never gotten a professional massage before because I am EXTREMELY ticklish. I've gotten non-professional massages before and they are actually amazing; they feel great !
Hopefully one day I can try to get a professional Swedish massage because I heard that those type of massages aren't too intense.

I'm curious about your avatar. Is that guy Rollo from Vikings?

i love deep tissue massages; those relax me and cause my sensory issues (all of them, not just tactile) to be a lot less strong for quite some time.

light/superficial massages though only make things worse; the light touch triggers tactile sensitivity and can cause an overload easily.
i have had theraputic massages for quite some time, but i had to explain that i prefered they go straight into deep tissue rather then the regular "start lightly".

I had a professional massage once and I hated it. I spent the whole time wishing it was over.

Same here.

I disliked being touched when I was younger, but, gradually realized how much I like it (when I know the person).

My aunt was going to school for massage and she used to practice on me, it got me used to it.
I'm more comfortable when I can see the same person and get used to them. We have a massage therapist come to my office once a month and we can book an appointment with him. He has gotten to know my preferences and gives only the firm touches.

A back massage or a neck massage turn me into a puddle.