That’s MY pillow!
“How can I avoid tantrums every time we change the sheets on my son’s bed?” asked a parent. “He never likes the clean sheets and he hides his pillow hoping I won’t change the pillowslip.”
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SPECIFIC STRATEGY Many individuals with autism deal with sensory issues that result in their being very particular about pillows, blankets, sheets, and other bedding. And resistance to change only makes the situation more challenging. Here are some ideas that might help.
+ First, You might consider letting your youngster help pick out their own bedding since they may have a completely different idea than we do about comfort and preferences in texture, weight, color, pattern, and even smell. Even pre-schoolers and individuals who are non-verbal can take part in choosing their bedding if you put three choices in front of them and let them touch their choice.
+ Consider having the youngster pick out two complete sets of sheets with extra pillowslips and two comforters/bed spreads. Alternating sets allow you time to wash bedding without causing a tantrum or power struggle with a youngster who does not tolerate change well.
+ Let your youngster help with the laundry. Even a person with very limited skills can help carry linens to the washing machine, put linens in the dryer, and carry linens back to their bed.
+ It would probably work best if these pillows, sheets, and blankets were reserved exclusively for your youngster with autism so they can experience the comfort of their own “blankey” and personal pillow every night.
+ Given the tendency of individuals with autism to resist change, purchasing very durable and allergy-free bedding will pay off in the long run – financially and emotionally. Some blankets and pillows are literally worn down to shreds before youngsters finally decide to tolerate a replacement. You might also consider covering the pillow with a soft, allergy-free pillow protector in addition to the pillowslip. The pillow protector can be washed and helps prolong the life of the pillow.
+ You might also consider having the youngster pick out one or two colorful “throw pillows” to keep on their bed. This allows you to use a smaller pillow for a transition object when the youngster spends the night away from home on vacation, camp, a sleep-over, or a visit to grandmama’s house.
+ And one last VERY IMPORTANT point: remember that the pillows and sheets and “blankeys” are precious to your youngster, so don’t just randomly throw bedding away.
NOTE TO LISTENERS AND READERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com
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