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My 14 year old grandsons refuses to use tiolet paper. Instead he takes showers, I guess to wash it off. We remind him about toilet paper but he just doesn't use it. What do we do ?

February 8, 2012
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a grandmother whose grandson with Asperger's prefers showering after using the toilet instead of using toilet paper,... Read more

Members rallied around a grandmother whose grandson with Asperger's prefers showering after using the toilet instead of using toilet paper, with the overwhelming consensus being that this is likely a sensory issue and that flushable wet wipes or baby wipes are a practical, compassionate solution. Several members shared that their own children with autism use wet wipes successfully at home and school, with some suggesting visual supports like First-Then cards paired with social stories to help reinforce the routine, and one member mentioning bidet-style water hoses as a culturally accepted and hygienic alternative used in places like Kuwait. A recurring theme was treating the behavior matter-of-factly without judgment, honoring sensory preferences, and finding creative adaptations that respect the child's needs while promoting independence and cleanliness.

A MyAutismTeam Member

My little girl is like that with TP actually she gets the paper and just drops it in the toilet. If I am nearby I wipe her but at school it is hard and she always comes home wet. She will not go #2 unless emergency anywhere but home so I most always get to wipe her and we Do use wipes too. It is def a sensory thing.

September 11, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

Just one more suggestion.....
Since he is 14, it will be difficult to unteach what he has already learned to do - pecause it is now a behavior pattern and part of his routine - and there could possibly be sensory issues attached to this as well. At age 14 it could be a good idea to use a
First....Then strip. It is a rectangular piece of laminated paper. At the top left side print FIRST. At the top right side print NEXT. Velcro a picture of toilet below FIRST. Velcro a picture of wiping with a wipe below NEXT. Show it to him before going to bathroom (and also after reading a Social Story). You can actually have a wipe ready at this time for him to see/associate with. Also sugest removing the toilet paper (at first) and replacing it with a box of flushable wipes. You could do the motions of wiping to show him how. Good luck!

February 24, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

We have wet wipes in the bathroom , his younger brother uses them also. I have a feeling it is sensory. He is just like this with stickers, he can't have them on him or close by. If his brother comes home with a sticker on his shirt, we have to remove it before big brother sees it. He used to scream bloddy murder when the nice Walmart ladies came up with these happy face stickers.
Yes, I wish we have a bidet, the French are very smart !!

February 8, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

He may feel that the TP is to "rough" and wet wipes (placed into the trash) would be a great choice. If he places them or too many in the toilet it will plug up. Try different tissues or colored ones and that may work.

March 24, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

What is you try treating this matter-of-factly, like it's nt an issue. That may help it to be easier to comply with - I hope. Good Luck!

February 24, 2012

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