FAQautism

We are continuing our discussion about the aversion to shaving that some teens and adults with autism experience because of marked sensory sensitivities. The issue is very real because failure to shave can stand in the way of getting a job, and friends or society in general can be impatient or intolerant of a person’s extraordinary aversions to certain sensory input.

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We looked at several options for dealing with shaving and sensory issues in Part 1 of this discussion. Here are a few more points to consider.

BARBER SHOP. Some parents introduce shaving to their sons with autism by taking them to the barber. This is too expensive for an individual who must shave every day, but the barbershop strategy has worked for some families. Their son gets a shave twice a week and a hair trim when needed. The predictability of the event, the familiarity of the sounds and smells of the barbershop, and the interaction with a patient barber in a public forum are sometimes better than a home experience.

EARLY START. When I was little, my dad would let my three brothers put shaving cream on their faces and he would let them use a razor without a blade to “shave” their faces. My husband would let our boys use his electric razor to pretend they were shaving when they were little. When I see some of my elementary boys with autism have extraordinary tactile or sound sensitivities, I encourage the parents to consider playing similar games so their youngster is familiar with the process once it becomes a necessity.

TIP FOR THE DAY. Although some teens or adult men with autism may overdramatize their aversion to shaving, many have genuine concerns and marked struggles with tactile or auditory sensitivities. Just as with all issues related to autism, life certainly runs smoother for all concerned if we take reasonable precautions and offer options when a person encounters difficulties with shaving.

We welcome your input about the issue of shaving, and we encourage you to tell your network of friends about http://FAQautism.com. Thanks for helping spread the word.

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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