IDK. I would tread very lightly here. The sense I'm getting is that maybe you have a tendency to heighten the emotionality of relationships beyond what the other person perceives. That can translate to the other person as neediness and pressure. It appears your T may have responded that way. This person is your tutor, not your friend.

You say that your way of showing affection is misunderstood by people. Perhaps it is an intensity you project that causes people to pull back?

If you really want to show appreciation for her help with your academic work--not for your "special" connection to her--perhaps bring coffee for both of you when you next see her (or whatever you think she'd like, but also bring something for yourself to make the gesture a bit more casual.)