Advice needed re; Autism and shaving for 1st time

[spider]

Thought there was summat up earlier, lucky I cut and pasted to save it, so here goes for a second time...


I too have been wondering how we will approach this subject as, even though Ben isn't 11 yet, I do think that puberty may not be that too far off

He really doesn't like beards already, he tells DH to have a shave and he even has a thing about a 2 day growth from under my arms - he calls it "ruskles" for some unknown reason, I think it may be like whiskers and stubble that has got mixed up! He has been taking alot of notice of by eldest DS too when he has abit of fluff and getting concerned about it!

So even though he seems to be used to the notion of shaving, actually doing the act may prove difficult as he has only just accepted me clipping his hair after about 9 years! I think we will have a few "episodes" where we will have to be very patient with him and perhaps let him try and do it himself with an electric shaver, though I do have visions of him becoming obsessive and wanting to shave every 5 minutes and making his face sore

As for that Psych who said LD children wouldn't go through teenage moods, what a load of old toffee - hormones are hormones, they will affect anybody regardless of mental capacity - my friends autistic DD is nearly 12 and the mood swings are a sight to behold, no different to any other teenage girl, and mostly as regular as clockwork, each month! And that's before she has even started her periods, though I think that may not be far off if the pre-pmt is anything to go by lately, bless her

I wish I could give some advice but I have yet to experience the joys of Ben's puberty yet, but I do think that Sue has given some brilliant advice which I'm sure I will put into good use in the not to distance future!

I'm sure though we will all deal with it in our usual way, head on and sharing with friends our ups and downs along the way!

[BarryandCaron]

Thanks Jakki

Caron xx

[Guest]

Hi Caron and Barry ,although its been some days since your original post i have just come accross it and must admit it brings tears to my eyes
My son Jordan is 11 and has autism and epilepsy and i suppose we had dared not to think of dealing with such things yet (im still trying to get my head around the idea of sending him to respite ,which gives me shudders !) i know we will have to
It is so good to see all the lovely and helpful replies you have recieved already and helps to know there are others facing the same challenges as us
Lots of love and kisses xxx
ps is that joshy in the picure ? its such a lovely snap !

[BarryandCaron]

Hi Laura, yes that is Joshy in the pic but 4 years ago when we first went to WDW.

I think alot of parents like us don't like to think too much about the future, I know we don't as we just take each day as it comes. We would be nervous wrecks otherwise

Caron

[Guest]

i look afeter teenagers who are autistic and we seem to have a method for introducing them to shaving (most of the time! ) It is similar to what Sue suggested but we also have one of the male carers shave each morning along side them gradually getting closer and interacting more. They then get the boys to help (if able) shave the male carer whilst getting them in a similar way to sue to gradually get used to tolorating touch on there face, we use a small hard sponge before swapping it for the razor. Hope this is helpful to you and good luck!

[BarryandCaron]

Thanks Eve, DS1 was shaving last night and we got Joshy to watch him. I've started putting moisturizer on his face to get him used to something apart from soap and water.

Caron

[Guest]

thats a good idea, maybe try that exfoliating stuff with the bits in as a next step, because its slightly rougher it could be a good progression when you feel the time is right.

[BarryandCaron]

Originally Posted by evieg1983

thats a good idea, maybe try that exfoliating stuff with the bits in as a next step, because its slightly rougher it could be a good progression when you feel the time is right.

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Thanks Eve, I'll try that tonight at bath time.

Caron

[Guest]

thanks evie that sounds like good advice x

[Guest]

its a pleasure laura and caron, we have tried and tested methods for most things to do with those fantastic children and teenagers with autism so i cant claim to know everything but if you ever want some suggestions on anything i may be able to help, just let me know.