Yes, autistic kids can be very attached to their parents, though the way they show it might look different from neurotypical children. Autism affects social communication and expression, so while an autistic child may deeply love and rely on their parents, they might not always show it through typical gestures like hugs, eye contact, or verbal affirmations.
Many autistic children feel safest and most comfortable with their parents because they provide stability, routine, and understanding. This attachment can sometimes appear stronger because unfamiliar environments or people can feel overwhelming. Parents often become their child’s primary source of comfort and security.
It’s also important to remember that attachment doesn’t always mean constant closeness. Some autistic children may seek alone time to regulate their emotions or sensory input, but that doesn’t lessen their bond with their parents.
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SOURCES:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X18301925
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/overly-affectionate-autistic-child/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15095116/
https://www.attachmentproject.com/blog/autism-and-attachment/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychology-meets-neurodiversity/202310/can-autistic-children-be-securely-attached
