Shaving

JimJams

Does anyone have tips for starting to shave above the upper lip of an adolescent boy with autism and additional learning disabilities? Would you try electric or razor and why?

PWL66

No tips Mandy, but about to start the same thing with my son (ASD). I think I'm going to go for electric, could be safer than a razor. But it's whether they can cope with the noise/vibrations?

Teresa20

My son is 18 and has special needs he needs shaving every couple of days as the longer we leave it the harder it is (I have to do it for him) we use an electric one but it doesn't always cut very well despite buying a decent shaver was tempted to use razor but worried if he moves about while doing it. So would also welcome some advice

Mandy2

One recent development: our very sympathetic hairdresser is using neck clippers for a few seconds each hair cut, to see if he can tolerate the noise and vibration at the back of his neck before trying anything near his mouth.

BusyOT

The sympathetic hairdresser sounds fab! Shaving in the bath can also work (it's all about consistent sensory input). You will need to check for skin compatibility but hair removal creams might be another solution.

JimJams

It might be an idea to introduce the electric shaver for a while before actually using it on his face, let him get used to the feeling of it and the noise etc ,maybe let him show show when he is ready for it to go near his face

KareninWales

I had the same sorts of problems with cutting my son't hair (he isn't old enough to shave but I'm looking to the future). I used to snatch and grab with scissors which looked awful but I assumed it was better than a noisy clipper. However once I tried the clippers they were so much safer (and did such a better job) that I have never looked back. He still hates having his hair cut (goodness knows how he will react to shaving) but it is quick and safe and the clipper is reasonably quiet. I'm assuming that shaving will be the same with him, but I'm posting here partly so I can keep up with other people's tips for which many thanks in advance.

Mandy2

I had an interesting chat with someone recently and it was the wording that put one of the children she cares for off haircutting, it was the word cut that used to frighten her, so they started using different words like tidy up your hair etc, the girl had associated the word cut with having a cut finger or a painful cut.

FATHERSCONTACT

I know this might not be so easy for the girls amongst you to put to practice but in many areas of autism problems like this can be approached on the basis of making it a game. Let Dad show the lad shaving himself and how good it is afterwards, don't push the issue but watch for when he feels able or willing to take part, as the subsciber above suggested
JohnE