Triveni Goswami Vernal
Registered Special Educator (CRR A64010)

The previous blogs, looked at Puberty and its various associated manifestations—emotional upheaval, aggression, challenges with executive functioning, self-care and hygiene- in individuals with Autism. Today’s blog will look at Self-care and Hygiene during puberty, for boys on the Autism spectrum.

Self-care and Hygiene are especially significant for teenagers and young adults, whose bodies undergo various hormonal fluctuations and rapid bodily changes related to sexual features.

SELF-CARE AND PERSONAL HYGIENE, includes the following:
a) Brushing Teeth
b) Cleaning self 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)

Along with changes in the physical features of a body, there are also changes in the sexual features, bringing about sexual arousal. Hence, creating a healthy awareness of the various facets of one’s bodily changes and desires, is very significant for a young adult on the Autism Spectrum. This includes, creating an awareness of-
1) One’s body, with its evolving physical and sexual characteristics.
2) Understanding the personal boundaries of “good touch” and “bad touch” vis a vis others.
3) And self-pleasure, as an outlet for sexual arousal.

SEXUAL MATURITY AND MASTURBATION/SELF-TOUCH
Sexual maturity is a given with puberty. While, cultural taboos, may prevent parents and caregivers from openly discussing about the sexual changes occurring in their child’s bodies, it is their responsibility to make the child aware of the changes taking place. Only a healthy discussion about Private and Public spaces and what is expected of them, in such spaces, can help them cultivate a healthy approach to sexual changes in their body. Therefore, a discussion on the acceptance of “Masturbation” or “self-touch”, in a private space, needs to be had with the child, so that they are aware of how they are supposed to behave vis a vis their growing sexual needs and desires. This also has to be supplemented via Social Stories.

Source of Image: https://able2learn.com/products/when-can-i-touch-myself-boys-version-pages-13.html

The downside of not teaching the Public/Private Space dichotomy for self- touch/pleasure, is that the individuals would then, do it in the public spaces, without understanding the repercussions involved, and that can be problematic.

Thus, its very important to impart a healthy understanding and acceptance of bodily changes, to young adults on the Autism spectrum. In the next blog, we will look at puberty, autism and self-care in girls.

RESOURCES:
https://library.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/puberty-and-autism-in-boys/
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-wellbeing/toileting-hygiene/personal-hygiene-autistic-teens
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-wellbeing/toileting-hygiene/personal-hygiene-autistic-teens
https://autismawarenesscentre.com/masturbation-and-asd-a-part-of-healthy-sexuality/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlAsfKHERuk (Masturbation and Autism)
https://researchautism.org/self-advocates/sex-ed-for-self-advocates/public-versus-private/
https://www.planetpuberty.org.au/keeping-safe/public-and-private-keeping-safe/private-behaviour/
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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.

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“Christmas Baubles”
Gouache and Acrylic Painting on Watercolour Paper
Kabir Vernal