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Teaching Hygiene to Someone with Autism with Masculine Needs

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​Autism caregivers should understand that teaching hygiene involves patience and adaptability, as personal hygiene can be challenging due to sensory sensitivities and executive functioning difficulties. With consistency, creativity, and compassion, caregivers can help build routines that feel safe, manageable, and empowering for their loved ones.

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Key Tips for Teaching Hygiene:

  • Use visual supports (charts, schedules, videos).

  • Break tasks into small, step-by-step instructions.

  • Be patient and consistent — repetition helps learning stick.

  • Respect sensory preferences (e.g., water temperature, soap texture).

  • Allow independence, but offer guided practice when needed.

 

TEETH

What Caregivers Should Know:

  • Flossing and mouthwash may be added later once brushing is mastered.

Teaching Tips:

  • Use a visual schedule (e.g., picture of toothpaste, toothbrush, rinse, spit).

  • Use a timer (e.g., 2-minute sand timer or music).

  • Let them choose a flavor or brush that feels good.

  • Model brushing or use mirrored practice.

 

HAIR

What Caregivers Should Know:

  • Combing, regular hair trimming prevent tangles and discomfort. Click here to find autism friendly hairdressers for a better experience.

Teaching Tips:

  • Break it into steps: wet, shampoo, rinse, conditioner (optional), rinse, dry.

  • Use no-tear shampoo and scent-free products if needed.

  • Teach gentle combing using soft bristles like a boar's hair brush to avoid pain.

  • If there is a knot that can't be brushed out, take scissors and cut vertically to break up the knot while keeping the most amount of hair.

  • Find a hairdresser/barber who has experience. Some may prefer haircuts at home due to sensory overwhelm.

 

SKIN

What Caregivers Should Know:

  • Lotion may be needed for dry skin. Be mindful of scents and opt for unscented. Ask if the consistency is okay...its it too greasy or not enough hydration.

Teaching Tips:

  • Teach when to wash hands (after bathroom, before eating, etc.).

  • For sensitive skin, use unscented soap and moisturizer.

  • Use visual or tactile cues to teach “how much” soap/lotion to use.

 

SHOWERING

What Caregivers Should Know:

  • It's a complex task involving sequencing and sensory processing.

Teaching Tips:

  • Create a shower checklist or laminated routine card.

  • Use shower markers (wash hair, face, body, rinse, etc.)

  • Use a shower head that is color coded according to temperature. The shower head should be detachable and hand held.

  • Use color coded sticker decals to show what side is cold, hot and optimal temp. 

  • Address sensory needs: control water temp, water pressure, use soft cloths.

  • Allow them to shower at a predictable time each day.

 

CLOTHES

What Caregivers Should Know:

  • Clothes should be weather-appropriate and changed daily.

Teaching Tips:

  • Create a laundry schedule with visuals.

  • Label drawers with photos or icons.

  • Teach what "dirty" means (e.g., stains, smell, worn).

  • Use checklists: underwear, socks, shirt, pants, etc.

  • Teach to put away in drawers or hang them in the closet. 

  • If decisions on what to wear results in meltdowns, create a shelf unit for the days of the week and put folded clothes on each self to create a sense of predictability which takes off pressure to make a decision when half asleep.

  • For those who struggle with seasonal changes, use photos of the seasons and pair them with the appropriate clothing. Be patient with seasonal transitions and build momentum with small changes.

 

TOILETING (If you need help with potty training, click here)

What Caregivers Should Know:

  • May require extra support and patience.

Teaching Tips:

  • Use social stories or toilet training visuals.

  • Always pair with handwashing routine afterward.

  • Decorate the bathroom with their favorite characters or visually appealing things to make it more inviting.

  • When going to the bathroom in public, be mindful that hand dryers and flushing can be painful to someone with sensory needs. Use ear plugs or headphones to make it easier.

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SHAVING

What Caregivers Should Know:

  • Can involve face, chest, or body depending on preference.

Teaching Tips:

  • Start with electric shavers to reduce cuts.

  • Practice shaving on an orange to build comfort.

  • Demonstrate slowly and let them mirror you.

  • Create a shaving schedule if needed.

 

GENITAL HYGIENE

What Caregivers Should Know:

  • Washing the penis, scrotum, and surrounding areas is crucial to prevent infections and odor.

Teaching Tips:

  • Teach during shower time using clear, respectful language.

  • Use diagrams or social stories if appropriate.

  • Encourage daily washing as part of the routine.

 

MORNING ROUTINES

What Caregivers Should Know:

  • Starting the day with consistent routines improves confidence and independence.

Suggested Morning Routine:

  1. Use the bathroom

  2. Brush teeth

  3. Wash face

  4. Deodorant

  5. Get dressed

  6. Comb hair

  7. Eat breakfast

Teaching Tips:

  • Use a morning visual schedule (laminated chart, dry-erase board, etc.).

  • Reinforce consistency with praise or a reward system.

  • Practice role-playing or routines together at first.

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