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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Long Beach, CA

She says water hurts her skin. She likes the water to be lukewarm and enjoys water dyes & toys, but screams through the majority of the bath. She especially dislikes all shampoos, & water in her hair & face.

April 10, 2013
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Answer Summary

Many community members shared creative and practical tips for making bath time less stressful for a 4-year-old who finds water painful, with... Read more

Many community members shared creative and practical tips for making bath time less stressful for a 4-year-old who finds water painful, with ideas ranging from glow sticks and bath toys to letting her hold a washcloth over her face during hair rinsing. Several members suggested filling the tub before bringing her in, using fragrance-free or watered-down shampoo, and trying a detachable showerhead to give her more control. A recurring theme was the value of occupational therapy for tactile defensiveness, along with gentle encouragement to keep trying different approaches until something clicks.

A MyAutismTeam Member

She sounds very tactile defensive. Often a tactile desensitize program will help with this. If you haven't already, find a good private OT who has good ideas on how to help with tactile defensiveness. For example, my son did not like to be touched when he was young. So we did a brushing program with a special brush. Problem solved. A good OT should have lots of ideas on this problem.

April 10, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

My daughter loves plushie's we pick out 10 and line them up on the sink unit and they watch her..we use glow sticks and lights out in the tub is a fav..Good luck keep trying .

April 12, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Shaving cream they can draw and make things with it

April 10, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Maybe you could try a baby steps approach? Tell her at a time that is not bathtime that she can do tub play. Dont make her get in the tub, just sit beside and play with some toys that are floating in the water. See if you could get her interested (or at least ok with) putting her hands in, then an arm then both feet and see if you can desensitize her? This would probably take a few weeks of consistent work but could be worth a shot.
Also - you've probably already tried this but have you tried putting more (or less) water in the tub? I can see it being uncomfortable if she just has a few inches of water because her whole top half would be wet and cold. Or maybe she would do better with less water? It doesn't take that much to get clean.
Good luck!

April 10, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

stuffed toys ...my girl likes TY beanie babies.::))))

May 10, 2013

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