I will post on my pin board a few sensory toys that are useful, The balls we found in the dollar section at Meijers in the toy area even the dollar store may have them the balls I am speaking of are firm and have bumps all over them, many come with a light in them when you bounce the they light up . We did try the weighted vest when he was a toddler, and he did not like it, but that doesn't mean you child would not bennifit we discovered with Logan that he liked message and being held or wrapped up.. he grew out of that .. but now prefers a back message or a arm squeeze and leg squeeze this is when we take both hands and work down the arm like you are squeezing toothpaste out of a tube, is the best way I can describe. and deep pressure message on the shoulders like you are playing a piano, slowly.. Posting the sensory tools for you.. Best of luck

The Walbarger brushing is effective, We added to that Those firm plastic balls that had the bumps all over them and at times our kids asked for deep pressure message with them it worked out the muscles and message does wonders for the built up stress anxiety and in my opinion young children must have like a Fibromialgia going on it seems they seek this comfort for the muscles this was our experience, Work on getting a sensory diet going we did 4 hours a day I built a sensory center on our garage when logan was 18 months old we used it every day.. some times we even used heat pads on warm, and cold packs too to help with the sencory.. Light and soud also was incoperated in to that room time, adjusting and learning how to tolearate and cope with sound and light.. . Logans biggest challenge was he had massive issues with Consitpation.. we were always looking for comfort measures. and trying to detox that little guys muscles today he is doing well ! we have our challenging days but he has come so far !

From a therapists point of view, he's not ready for showering independently yet. And you are going to stress him out if you push this. I agree with Helper in that he needs to work on the sensory things OUTSIDE of the shower first. Then after the sensory thing is better, you can work on the independence thing. But between the sensory defensiveness and lack of body awareness, he's not ready!

I would suggest you work with him in the sensory area. that would be you message his scalp or find some of those small hand held balls and roll them about on his head.. how is he with hair brushing ? also this makes me wonder if he is having headaches. being a reason he dosent want anyone to mess with his head ..

Good question I will remember what we did for my son. One day suddenly whe was afraid to get in the bathtub afraid to touch the water. Today I have to scream at hima and say... heeeey you've been in the shower 15 mins already.