PERSONAL HYGIENE
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Let's start with the basics...
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​​​​Hand washing is an especially important skill especially now to teach. Start as early as preschool because it can help cut down the number of times they get sick. Here's a good
video example to help you being teaching your child on the spectrum to wash their hands independently. As you can see, hand over hand is often used as the first step. Encourage them to curl their fingers because many children keep their fingers extended. Combine this with a picture schedule hanging in the bathroom to help remind them of what the next step is.
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Tooth Brushing is a challenging task because many children need to build the strength in their fine motor skills to use a tooth brush effectively. Tooth brushing should be started as soon as the first tooth appears and should be repeated twice a day. A visual aid showing pictures of the steps helps with remembering all of the steps. Or purchase a standard teeth model so the child can see how they should brush their teeth. Talk to your OT about any sensory concerns and explore alternative to meet those sensory needs. Discuss any difficulties about spitting out the toothpaste or rinsing with the speech therapist. Find a local autism friendly dentist by clicking here.
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More Resources:
Use Visual Schedules to give visual prompts of the steps.
37 Toileting IEP Goals (for all ages)
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Showering and Bathing has it's own steps to follow but most importantly for your child to have a visual aid that reminds them hot/cold so they don't burn themselves. Detachable shower heads make it so much easier to wash their hair. Give attention to any sensory issues because the experience needs to be positive.
A visual schedule and/or social story that shows what body parts are washed in sequence and keep the sequence consistent. If they are struggling with the steps, back-chaining or working from the last step to the first can be a great strategy for some children. Again, consult with your OT for ideas or develop goals around building their strength to wash themselves. If a reward system is reinforcing to your child, create one for hygiene. Giving choices of choosing scents or supplies can make a huge difference with many children. Make sure this is done behind closed doors and increase their awareness of privacy.
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Hair care is another challenging part of personal hygiene due to the need for the person to have enough strength and dexterity to use a brush. An OT or PT can help develop goals, a plan and exercises to build their ability to be independent. You can practice on a doll's hair for girls or boys who are open to it. Back chaining is also effective so let them rinse the hair first and work backwards. In the meantime, getting a haircut that is manageable as you move towards independence can lessen the stress. See the Autism Friendly Hairdressers page to find a stylist near you.
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POTTY TRAINING​
Potty training kids with Autism has another level of complexity when there are communication challenges and to present it in a way that the child understands. Just like a child without a disability, we need to assess whether or not the child is showing signs they are ready to be potty trained.
How do you know if they are ready?
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Can your child imitate others? If not, this can be an ABA goal.
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Are they showing signs of wanting independence?
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Can they pull their pants down and up independently? If not, this could be an OT goal.
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Can they walk to and from the toilet independently? If no, this could be a PT goal.
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Are they showing a willingness to cooperate and not flee?
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Some key things you may want to include in your individualized program are:
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Plan on potty training during a long break from school/therapy sessions, at least two weeks.
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Keep track of accidents to see if you can spot a pattern
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Keep track of successes to compare.
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Create a structured program with short increments that works for your family with lots of positive reinforcement not limited to verbal praise. Use their favorite snacks and favorite toys.
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Make sure the environment is comfortable for them and that their feet are touching a hard surface. For example, if you are using a toilet with a toilet seat insert, give your child a stool to set their feet on so their legs aren't dangling. Not every child uses a potty.
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Also sensory sensitivities can include the type of underwear. A popular brand among parents are Hanna Anderson girls underwear and seamless hipster underwear.
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What sensory issues are creating barriers (for example, does your child cover their ears during the loud flushing noise) and does your child show any fears associated with using the potty.
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Using visual directions or pictures demonstrating the process can reduce anxiety because the child will know what will happen.
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Avoid punishing the child if accidents occur. Keep it positive.
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​Recommended books:
Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or Other Developmental Issues
Toilet Training and the Autism Spectrum (ASD)
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​If you're struggling with potty training, consider reaching out for help with a professional.
are holding your child back from being potty trained.
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Local Providers for potty training:
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Galena Autism and Behavioral Services
Services: ABA and Toilet Training
Where: 4877 W Swamp Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
Call: 267-454-7357
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Zimzum Consulting Collaboration
Services: Toilet Training & Feeding Programs. We find effective interventions that help children with delayed or severely delayed functions.
Call: 610-973-5335