Many children with autism are drawn to water for its calming, sensory experience. In fact, a 2015 study[1] found that children with ASD enjoy swimming significantly more than children without ASD.
In particular, people with ASD have a greater tendency to wander - that is, they may leave a safe area in search of a retreat away from overstimulation (eg, crowds, noise or other stimuli) and may naturally gravitate towards water as a means of alleviating their sensory needs but without understanding the risks it may ...
You might find that they don't like showers because of the feeling of the water hitting their skin but they are happier having a bath, certain brands of soap and shampoo might aggravate them more than others or using a manual toothbrush rather than an electric one is easier for them.
Heightened Sensory Issues
Here are some things or conditions that may trigger your autistic child's heightened senses during bath time. The feeling of water on the skin, hair, or face. The sounds of splashing and running water. Water temperature and water level in the tub.
For children with autism, water offers resistance, pressure, comfortable temperatures, and pleasant sensory arousal. It's stimulating, but it's the right kind of stimulating.
However, they look up to the mother or caregiver for social referencing and hover around or cling to the caregiver. Children with an ASD are not vigilant and do not look up to the caregiver for social referencing. They may not cling to the caregiver, although go up to them for succor.
The beach is one of those magical places for kids and for autistic children it's no different. It's about having fun, learning, building memories and family bonds.
Developing self-care skills such as washing and personal hygiene can sometimes be an issue for autistic people. Sensory differences, such as a heightened sense of smell or touch, can make washing an uncomfortable experience.
Children with autism are more likely to experience bedwetting than their neurotypical peers, and there are several factors that may contribute to this. It is important for parents to be aware of this connection and to seek support if their child is struggling with bedwetting.
Sensory processing difficulties can make handwashing and showering uncomfortable or even painful for children with autism. Provide sensory support by using soap with a pleasing scent or texture, using a showerhead with adjustable pressure, or providing a soft towel for drying off.
While this is not typically what you think of with tender, romantic love, it may cause a person with ASD discomfort if someone were to kiss them or hold their hand gently. For example, one teenager with autism who didn't like kissing at all, described that he felt it was just like smashing faces together.
Smiling may not come easily to you if you are autistic or neurodiverse. It might feel unnatural or insincere. It doesn't mean you're in a bad mood if you don't smile. You could be neutral or really focused on your work.
People with autism may get easily attached to people, leading them to become over-friendly. It can be difficult to understand other people's perceptions of situations, therefore what they feel is appropriate, may be considered as socially unacceptable.
Studies have shown that kids with Autism and/or ADHD are more likely to experience bedwetting than their neurotypical (or typically developing) peers. The connection between ADHD, Autism, and bedwetting is not fully understood by medical professionals.
Many children on the autism spectrum are fascinated by animals, trains, or other aspects of the real world. Selected TV and videos, such as "Animal Planet" and the "Eye Witness" videos can build on those interests.
It would be wrong to suggest that all individuals with autism have an aversion to touch – some may enjoy it outright, and others may enjoy it in certain contexts or forms, such as a preference for deep pressure versus light brushing.
Children with ASD may be hypersensitive to smell. Some may experience it more intensely, while some may want to smell everything that interests them. Children may use smelling as a way of exploring their environment or as a way of becoming oriented and comfortable with a particular object.
A common trait among children on the autism spectrum is the dislike of grooming and personal hygiene. Personal hygiene is often a very sensitive topic to discuss with a “resistant” Asperger's or high-functioning autistic child like your son.
The truth is, many autistic people are very much aware of their autism and how it affects them. In fact, some say that it's through understanding and acceptance of their autism that they've been able to lead fulfilling lives.
Memorising and learning information quickly. Thinking and learning in a visual way. Logical thinking ability. May excel (if able) in academic areas such as science, engineering and mathematics as they are technical and logical subjects that do not heavily rely on social interaction.
As noted above, the ASD group reported significantly higher thresholds for both warmth and cold detection, consistent with reduced sensitivity to thermal stimuli of both types.
Conclusion. Overall, our results clearly show that individuals with autism are not completely blind to aesthetic pleasure: in fact, they retain an implicit ability to experience beauty.
A child with ASD can be challenging—they may be restless; have trouble sleeping, eating or speaking; experience seizures; or have meltdowns born of frustration or overstimulation. Expectations for a “normal” life may need to be adjusted.
Focus on the positive. Just like anyone else, children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to positive reinforcement. That means when you praise them for the behaviors they're doing well, it will make them (and you) feel good. Be specific, so that they know exactly what you liked about their behavior.