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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

Members shared creative strategies to help a four-year-old who finds bathtime painful and distressing, with many recommending sensory... Read more

Members shared creative strategies to help a four-year-old who finds bathtime painful and distressing, with many recommending sensory adjustments like adjusting water levels, using lukewarm temperatures, trying detachable shower heads for rinsing, and letting the child hold a washcloth over their face to feel more in control. Several members described tools and distractions that worked for their own children, including glow sticks, bath toys, shaving cream for drawing, bubbles, special songs, goggles, soft washcloths, and even letting stuffed animals watch from the sink. A recurring theme was the importance of gradual desensitization, working with an occupational therapist for tactile defensiveness, establishing consistent routines, and celebrating small victories while remembering that what works one day may not work the next.

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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Monongahela, PA