my 3 year old is autistic and he is afraid of the toothbrush/ his hair combed what can i do.?

Answer 1

Look for the childrens song "Brush you Teeth". Play it and dance around having fun brushing your teeth while it is playing. Hopefully your child will want to join in the fun but if not sorry to say do a headlock if you have to. Brushing is very important and must be done.

Answer 2

This is a tough situation. My son is mildly autistic, and he had severe fears through much of his younger days. (Any dark open space, any blowdryer, any public restroom because it might have a blowdryer, and shopping mall because it might have a open artium, etc.)

You can try the suggestions of using characters attached to the brushes, but I doubt they will work. Usually an austistic kid gets these kinds of fears through a combination of acure sensory issue (the bristles cause too much sensation, or sometimes it is even the sound that causes a problem) and because of poor body image boundary problems. My son still has problems with haircuts and trimming nails because of these body boundary issues, and many autistic kids have problems being toilet trained for the same reason.

Further answer: One thing that austistic kids respond well to as a rule is routine. So build as much routine as possible into these activities. Do them the same way every day, at the same time, maybe sing the same song. As best you can, try to see what about these brushes causes the fear (though good luck). With brushing teeth, you might start by using your finger with toothpaste (some flavor he'd like) and get him used to the taste, the motion, and the routine, before reintroducing the brush.

My best advice: there are support groups everywhere for parents of autistic kids, and many online sources. Talk to other parents about this, and see what they've done. Not only will you get practical advice, in the long run it provides other kinds of support the two of you will need as well.

Answer 3

I have been taking care of a little one who is almost 4 who is also autistic....his mom went thru the toothbrush thing...what we did was take him to the store and let him pick out a toothbrush and then we bought two. When we got home we gave him one and let him use it on a babydoll. We did this for a couple of days and then one day we told him now it's time to try and brush his teeth. He did it for a second and then stopped. But we praised him, gave him a sticker and that was the end of it for that day. We did this everyday until he finally got used to the feeling of the toothbrush and now he does it everyday. In the meantime mom just took some toothpaste on her finger and rubbed it around his mouth until we could get him to brush. It could be he has sensory issues...some autistic children just don't like the feel of certain things because to them it may hurt. I know most people don't want their sons playing with dolls but it may help to let him use a doll to practice with. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I don't think it's fear. It sounds like a sensory issue. Many autists have sensory issues. They don't like forms of touch. It aggrivates them. You just need to keep introducing the toothbrush and hair brush to him,even if it's for a few seconds,several times a day.Just be loving and compassionate with him while doing it. He may never like it,but he will learn to accept it. It just takes time.Be patient.You'll be fine. I don't know the severity of his autism,but try and make it fun. See if he will watch you brush yours,and then tell him, "OK, now your turn", smile and giggle about it and you can even use hand over hand to brush his teeth/comb his hair.Just don't get frusterated and give up. He will be able to sense that and it won't make the situation any easier.Just keep reassuring him and praise him every time you brush.There is something you can use called a sensory brush,to help him get used to something in his mouth. Use it for a few seconds two to three times a day.How you confront the issue may make all the difference in the world. It may take a lot of time,but if you stay consistant,it will eventually work out. Don't give up. Good luck. :)

Answer 5

autistic three year old? When did they start diagnosing that this young?
anyways, make it fun. show your self with the item using the item, allow him to hold touch and feel item. repeat these processes till he is comfortable with the item. Should have started working on this a long time ago, then it wouldn't be a needed proceedure. Hair brushing could be minimised till phobia is cured. Also try different colors, designs. take him to the store and see there so you don't have to buy ones that won't work. Watch closly for the best response. you might not get a definate.

Answer 6

My younger brother is also autistic and he too is afraid of the toothbrush,getting his hair cut,and combing his hair...Whenever I help out my parents and siblings with his duties we usually just try to get it done as fast as possible...Just show him that it is good,maybe put it in your mouth to show him..While brushing give yays!! and smiles all the way through,do it as fast as possible but also be gentle with his teeth and gums..Maybe u can put it in his hand and help him do it himself while holding the toothbrush with him. Unless your son has tons of hair brushing his hair should be rather easier then the toohtbrushing..after dressing him take the comb or hairbrush and as fast asu can brush the hair..maybe sit in in between your legs but still let him no that it is safe and that it isnt bad..use light pressure but in a pretty quick time to avoid hi trying to get away etc...These are the things we do with my brother and they seem to work and we are pretty quick,try and practice...good luck!

Answer 7

With my autistic son we had to change toothbrushes. Turns out the one we had was too hard, even tho we bought the children's brush. We let him pick it out himself and he is fine now. Your son may have gagged himself with it, and now associates the toothbrush with that feeling. For the hair I would suggest a soft bristle brush, and go at it slow. For our son we try to keep it clipped short ...he doesn't like it but its once once every couple months..and that keeps brushing down to a minimum.

Answer 8

Try getting a toothbrush/ hairbrush that look like toys. Lots of children's toothbrushes have handles shaped like animals or dinosaurs. Get two and let him play with it. When you brush his hair/ teeth, let him hold a comfort object like a blanket or bear. The easiest way to get him used to something is to sit him somewhere and have the object across the room, slowly move it closer and closer so he can get used to it.

Answer 9

Try getting toothbrushes w/ characters on them(bob the builder,mickey mouse exc.) Hope this helps... Good Luck !

Answer 10

try putting some wax paper over the bristles and make a kazzoo out of them, make a game of using them and teach the child not to be afraid of them, it will take time and lots of patience, good luck