Appropriate Touch Visual

May 2025 | Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Appropriate Touch

Family

Hug
Hold hands
Kiss

Friends

Side hug
High five
Wave
Fist bump
Shake hands

Boyfriends and Girlfriends

This type of touch is romantic.

Hug
Kiss
Put their arms around each other
Hold hands

People I Don't Know Well

These are people like neighbors, therapists, teachers, support staff, or co-workers.

Shake hands
Fist bump
High five
Wave

Children Not in My Family

Wave

Strangers

Safe Strangers

These are people like doctors, police officers, and fire persons. They may need to touch me if I am sick, in an unsafe situation, or need help.

Other Strangers

They are not allowed to touch me. I should not touch them.

Learn more in our Appropriate Touch Video.

Find More Resources

We offer a variety of resources for people with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers and the professionals who care for and work with them. Search our collection of articles, webinars, videos, and other educational materials.

View Resource Library

Please note: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a medical, psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan by a qualified professional. We recommend you review the educational material with your health providers regarding the specifics of your health care needs.