FAQautism

Some of our friends with autism damage their skin causing sores and wounds that do not heal readily. In some cases, the issue is simply a bad habit of picking at small sores or scratching absentmindedly. On the other hand, some individuals with autism bite, scratch, or gouge their arms, fingers, legs, or faces. Whether the cause for the chronic wounds is purposeful or not, skin damage can be a result of frustration, sensory issues related to craving deep pressure, itchy rashes, or even boredom.

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No matter the cause, we are looking at two issues. First, how can we break the cycle of damaging skin? And, secondly, how can we protect sores and wounds to allow complete healing? In this podcast, we will look at strategies for breaking obsessive habits that result in skin damage.

Nagging is rarely effective in stopping any bad habit, if ever. We need to develop a systematic plan to help stop hurtful behavior and to break the cycle of scratching and picking at wounds. Rather than telling our friends, “Don’t scratch,” we can give a reminder with a positive slant. The best strategy is to teach an incompatible behavior such as, “Hands in lap, please,” or “Be gentle,” or “Take good care of your skin.”

Visual reminders can be hand signals modeling desired behavior such as hands in lap. Picture cue cards modeling appropriate behavior can be useful, as can short verbal reminders spoken quietly. Some of our friends with autism respond to a system that combines visual and verbal reminders with rewards for keeping their “hands in lap” for gradually longer periods of time.

Distractions are another effective strategy. It is impossible to scratch or bite or hit when hands are busy holding textured items, squishy balls, or a small laminated photo of family. Several of my friends with autism who are compulsive “pickers” have responded well with the strategy of putting a thin layer of Elmer’s glue on the palm of their hand and allowing them to peel the dried glue from their palm. Peeling the dried glue is much more appropriate and much less hurtful than picking at sores and rashes.

Tune into part 2 of this podcast, Skin Damage, for some tried-and-true strategies for protecting wounds and sores to allow for healing.

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: 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. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com

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