Triveni Goswami Vernal
(Registered Special Educator CRR A64010)
Puberty brings forth not only innumerable changes in the physical and sexual characteristics in an individual, but also a whole gamut of emotional experiences, and these challenges are all the more challenging for individuals with Autism. The previous two blogs touched upon the relationship between Puberty and Aggression and Executive Functioning and Puberty, with special reference to individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
During puberty, the bodily changes that occur, can also make the sweat glands more active, leading to the secretion of various chemicals into the sweat causing the sweat to develop an odour. Therefore, a teenager (whether neurotypical or neurodiverse) needs to be made more aware of their personal hygiene, during puberty.
SO, WHAT DOES PERSONAL HYGIENE INCLUDE?
a) Brushing Teeth
b) Cleaning after use of Toilet
c) Taking a Bath
d) Washing the feet
e) Washing hands
f) Grooming oneself (combing hair, applying powder/deodorant etc)
g) Covering the mouth while coughing
h) Wearing clean underwear, clothes and socks.
i) Regular hair cuts
j) Regular cutting of nails (both fingers and toes)
INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM MAY HAVE SEVERAL UNDERLYING SENSORY CHALLENGES—
a) Sensitivity to various kinds of textures
b) Sensitivity to the application of various products on their skin
c) They may not be aware of the state of their hair (if its oily/greasy/unkempt) d) They may be sensitive to hair cuts /cutting their nails etc.
Hence, personal hygiene can prove to be very challenging for an individual on the spectrum.
A few steps to help the individuals on the spectrum, create a routine around Personal Hygiene and Self Care, may include the following:
1) A caregiver/parent, has to first understand if the individual has any sensory challenges and provide alternatives for them.
2) Explain the need for Personal Hygiene to the individual via Social Stories, if need be.
3) Since individuals with Autism, are Visual Learners, creating Visuals on the various steps of Personal Hygiene, can help them include those activities as part of their daily routine.
A few examples of visuals on Personal Hygiene:
Source of Image: https://www.myautism.org/informational-kits/the-official-puberty-guide
Source of Image: https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/create-a-showering-or-bathing-routine-visual/
3. BRUSHING TEETH SEQUENCE
Source of Image: https://do2learn.com/picturecards/howtouse/reminderstrips.htm
Source of image: https://do2learn.com/picturecards/howtouse/reminderstrips.htm
Source of image: https://do2learn.com/picturecards/howtouse/reminderstrips.htm
In my next blog, I will be sharing the Personal Hygiene and Self-Care for boys and girls, on the Autism Spectrum.
REFERENCES:
https://do2learn.com/
https://www.livingwellwithautism.com/online_resources
https://www.myautism.org/informational-kits/the-official-puberty-guide
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-wellbeing/toileting-hygiene/personal-hygiene-autistic-teens
https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/health/staying-clean-and-healthy/#:~:text=It%20can%20be%20difficult%20for,Sensory%20processing
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Author Dr.Triveni Goswami Vernal
Dr.Triveni Goswami Vernal is a Registered Special Educator (CRR: A64010), a Psychologist and an Expressive Arts Therapy Practitioner in training (UNESCO-CID). She is an Avaz Certified Educator and Certified in Dyslexia Teacher Training. She is also an art educator for children with additional needs.
Artwork “Winter” Artist Kabir Vernal
Acrylic marker pens on Sketch paper
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