12yo with FAS/ADHD has bad BO, she dosnt like... - FASD Support
12yo with FAS/ADHD has bad BO, she dosnt like showering or washing her hair, due to feeling of water on her skin, run out of ideas. Help!
Morning, I have exactly the same problem with a 14 year old but she forgets to wash I think despite obviously constant reminders. It's really difficult isn't it and you don't want them picked on at school because of it. With her brother who hates water and the smell of soap etc it is always a stressful time and we try to be as quick as possible. Sorry not a lot of help to you but fingers crossed others may have some ideas x
Is having a shower the only option? My neice is also 12 yrs and she also does not like to shower because of water dropping onto her skin. She has a bath (reluctantly at times) and I help her wash and rinse her hair. Other alternatives between showering could be baby wipes. I use Batiste dry shampoo on my nieces hair every few days. It can be really hard helping a pre teen become independant. I still have to check on my neice to make sure she does her usuall daily routine of washing and cleaning of teeth. It has got more complicated now she has braces - but everything she needs to do is set out in order in the bathroom. ( this does not mean she always does it) help! I think I am going crazy!
When I look back when I was 12yrs I had one bath on a Sunday, no deodorant ( no such thing ) and cleaned my teeth whenever I remembered - hence I have lots of teeth with crowns!
Try and make bath time fun as you would with a little child e.g. Bath toys often help, also bath crayons, and bubble bath. Another idea is using a pre bath cream the type of cream given to people with very dry skin condition, this may help with the feeling of water. Let you child choose a new bath sponge any fun type. Also sprinkles in the bath such as petals or confetti. Also when hair washing use a ring type face cover to keep the water off the face. Try water games with water pistols shooting a target.
One thing I have tried is letting the child choose their own shampoo and body wash, plus their own choice of deodorant from the spray to roll on my favourite is the cream deodorant ask her what she prefers. Best advice I can give is explain in simple terms what BO is and that you don't want people being mean to her. Hope that helps as I know exactly where you are coming from. xx
I have worked with older people with dementia who couldn't tolerate water. We used a foam cleanser that was designed just to be rubbed in then wiped off with a dry cloth. That with dry shampoo could be a good short term measure. You can intimate wipes too
Does she swim or is it all water she cannot stand?
Try soaking a flannel / facecloth or a sponge in hot water and "washing" by running the damp cloth over them.
