Trying to figure out how to teach an autistic child to blow their nose can be challenging. In this article we give you some tips and ideas.
Blowing an autistic child’s nose
Although all autistic children are different, teaching self care habits including how to blow their nose is quite a consistent problem.
Here are some of the ways you can try to tackle the issue;
Demonstrate
Starting with the obvious and something you have probably already tried you should be sure to demonstrate the process.
The demonstration however should not only be the act of blowing it should be the chain of events in the lead up.
If you think about it there is usually a set pattern of events…
- You feel your nose is blocked
- You usually sniff a couple of times
- You establish you need to blow it
- You get a tissue
- You pinch it over your nose
- You blow
- You repeat the blow
A number of autistic children thrive on routine and sequences so try and demonstrate them all as clearly as possible.
If you really want an accurate portrayal of your child’s situation you could even (and bear with me here) let some of the snot appear at the bottom of your nose.
I fully appreciate that sounds disgusting but that tickle may be the first time your child recognises it. If you show them that the discharge means it’s time to grab a tissue they may understand it easier.
Use visual aids
Operating in a similar way to the above option, you could opt for visual aids.
There are various books, pictures or videos you can use to help your child understand the steps involved in blowing their nose.
You can find videos online that demonstrate nose-blowing or create your own visuals.
Try to make it fun
You can use games or songs to make the learning process fun.
For example, you can pretend to be a big bad wolf blowing down a house, and your child can be the pig who needs to blow their nose to stay safe.
Or you can do a countdown from 5 to 0 in the lead up to the blow so it’s like a rocket ship.
The trick here is to try and engage your child and get them to enjoy the process.
Provide praise
Positive reinforcement can be an effective way to encourage your child to keep trying.
You could try a scheme of rewards such as praise, stickers, or small treats when they make progress or achieve a milestone.
Even if it is just a huge smile and a hug if they make an attempt to blow their nose they may associate the positivity with the action.
Consider sensory issues
Children with autism may have sensory issues that make blowing their nose uncomfortable or overwhelming.
You can try using softer tissues, or have them practice blowing into a tissue without actually blowing out any air, to help them get used to the sensation.
On the subject of tissues you could buy some specialist kids ones with their favourite cartoon characters on them. They may make your child feel more comfortable with the process.
Teach them the difference between mouth and nose breathing
Breathing is something that almost everyone does without even thinking about it. Half of the battle with teaching an autistic child to blow their nose is the concept of forcing air through.
When their nose is clear you can try and teach them how to push air through by holding something light like a feather underneath.
Demonstrate how you can move the feather with the air from your nose then give it to your child to try.
If you repeat this regularly they will start to learn that they can control where the air comes in and out of.
Once your child is comfortable with the feather you could then start to use a tissue, even if it is just held below the nose.
Try to progress from there to blowing into a pinched tissue over your nose.
Be patient
Remember that every child learns at their own pace, and it may take longer for some children to learn this skill than others.
Stay positive, patient, and persistent, and celebrate every small success along the way.
Summary – How to teach an autistic child to blow their nose
Teaching an autistic child to blow their nose requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt to their individual needs.
You will likely have to break down boundaries of understanding in order to make progress. You can do this by demonstration, using visual aids or just a slow progression.
By using these strategies and being consistent in your approach, you can help your child learn this important life skill and increase their independence and self-confidence.
