Parenting a child with ASD can raise various challenges, in this article we delve into difficulties with autism and taking baths.

Autism and taking baths

Bathing can be a challenging task for any child, but it can be especially difficult for children with autism.

This is because children with ASD often have sensory processing differences, which can make them sensitive to certain sensations.

They may cry, scream, or try to run away. They may also refuse to get in the bath or shower, or they may try to get out as soon as possible.

The challenges can turn into a vicious cycle in that for example if they are struggling, washing their hair becomes harder.

As the hair washing becomes harder you are more likely to get shampoo in their eyes.

Getting shampoo in their eyes will then likely lead to even more resistance in the future.

Below we list some of the factors which could be behind the initial resistance;

Sensory factors

Autism often comes hand in hand with sensory sensitivities.

When you think about bath time there are a number of different sensory factors involved.

Water, soap, and various bathing sensations can trigger an overwhelming response in children with autism.

The feeling of water running down their skin, the sound of splashing water, or even the smell of soaps can be distressing for them.

It’s important to remember that these sensitivities are genuine and can make bath time a challenging experience.

Routine

Children with autism thrive on routines and predictability.

Any disruption to their established routines can be distressing and trigger anxiety.

Bath time, which may interrupt their preferred activities or disrupt their sense of order, can cause resistance or meltdowns.

The meltdown may have in itself turned into a routine in that your child may immediately associate the bath with distress.

Understanding and respecting their need for consistency can greatly help in navigating bath time challenges.

Difficulty with transitions

Many parents of autistic children have difficulty transitioning their child from one activity to the next.

It could be for example that your child is merrily enjoying playing with a train set when bath time comes around.

As you come to move them away from their train set that can be extremely distressing and trigger a meltdown.

Communication and understanding

Many children on the autism spectrum face challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication.

They may have difficulty expressing their feelings, discomfort, or understanding instructions.

This can make it hard for them to articulate their specific needs during bath time.

Also conversely, a lack of understanding may lead to difficulty in you explaining why bath time is important.

If your child doesn’t realise why they should be bathing then they only see it as a negative experience.

It is important for parents to develop different communication methods to bridge this gap effectively.

Trying something like these picture cards from Amazon could help you make some progress in this area.

Sensory seeking

Problems with bathing a child with autism are not just limited to getting them in the bath and keeping them there.

The child’s behaviour in the bath itself can be challenging.

While some children with autism may be sensitive to sensory factors, others may actively seek sensory input.

They may enjoy playing with water, splashing, or touching different textures.

These sensory-seeking behaviours can make it difficult to maintain the structure and purpose of bath time.

Striking a balance between fulfilling their sensory needs and ensuring a safe and calm bathing experience can be a delicate task.

What can parents do?

Knowing the reasons behind your child’s reluctance to bathe is only half the battle. Here are some practical options to consider.

Create a routine

As mentioned above, routine can be a key tool in a parents toolkit.

Parents should try to create a predictable bath time routine by setting a fixed schedule and following it consistently.

Use visual schedules or timers to help your child understand and anticipate the sequence of events.

Adapt the environment

Make the bathroom environment more sensory-friendly by adjusting water temperature, lighting, or using soothing music.

Introduce your child to the bathroom gradually, allowing them to explore and become familiar with the space before attempting a full bath.

Perhaps bring some toys into the bathroom which your child can float on the water before getting in.

They may establish that their game is easier with them actually being inside the bath.

Running the bath in advance is a simple step you can take to avoid the undesirable noise created by the pouring water.

Use visual supports

Visual supports, such as picture schedules or social stories, can help your child understand the expectations and steps involved in bathing.

Break down the process into smaller, manageable tasks, using visual cues to guide them through each step.

Allow them some control

Give your child some control by offering choices within bath time activities.

This can include selecting their preferred soap, bath toys, or deciding between different water play options. .

Providing a sense of control can help reduce resistance and anxiety.

Use appropriate accessories

It may be that your child is resistant to baths as they do not like the feeling of cloths or sponges on their skin.

Use a soft washcloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh soaps or shampoos, as these can irritate them.

Summary – Autism and taking baths

Bathing an autistic child can indeed pose challenges, but by understanding their unique needs, we can transform it into a more manageable experience.

Simple things like baths or showers can be incredibly difficult.

By making small changes parents can help their children feel more comfortable and build a foundation of trust during bath time.

Remember, every child is different, so be patient and flexible in finding the strategies that work best for your child’s individual needs.