hsmum Report post Posted June 2, 2011 Hi, Does anyone know where I may get some resources or advice for helping an 18 year old student with AS brush up on his personal hygiene. The young man is very bright but the other students in his group are making comments and cringing when he comes near. The young man is on a performing arts course, so physical contact is unavoidable. Tutors have spoken to him and given general advice, but this does not seem to have worked. I said that I would try to find some resources or advice, but the material I have found so far seems to be aimed at children or people with learning disabilities. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, j Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted June 2, 2011 (edited) Hi HS mum - One thing i'd check out first is whether he's whiffy because his Personal Hygeine is iffy or whether he's whiffy just 'cos he's whiffy! In either case, the answer is probably going to involve more regular contact with soap and water, deodorant etc, but it could be the guy is bathing/showering regularly or even copiously but starts ponging again within half an hour of drying off. It's a bacteria thing, and some people just attract the wrong kind of company because of their body chemistry... The reason I know is because I was 'volunteered' years ago to break the news to a friend and he struggled for years with the problem and then for whatever reason it sort of sorted itself out (I think maybe it can be like spots and acne etc - some kids go through hell with it, some kids skate completely and most get the occassional crop of blackheads and the inconvenient first date, stress related boil on the nose!). No advice beyond that and if it is his natural whiff rather than 'soap-dodger's stagnation' seeking help from a dermatologist/other specialist. How you check that out discretely is another potential problem, but not sure what to suggest there! HTH L&P BD Edited June 2, 2011 by baddad Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Special_talent123 Report post Posted June 3, 2011 i used to have a social worker come to my school and she had to teach me the importance of personal hygiene, even usng this game wth me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BuntyB Report post Posted June 5, 2011 My son was the same. He didn't understand why it was important- until he met a girl! Now he showers every day and goes through loads of shampoo and deodorant. If he isn't worried what his peers think of him, has he expressed any interest in having a relationship and would that make a difference? Does he still live with his family? I don't know if people hint at him that it would be a good idea if he washed more because that doesn't always compute. Typically people will hint round the subject in case it causes offense but means people with AS don't see what you're getting at. We've had more success with our daughter by saying 'I'm sorry but you can't come in this car with me because you smell awful. Please wash the smell off!' The other thing is that my daughter will have a shower and then put her dirty clothes back on and she sometimes sleeps in her clothes too unless we spell out what's expected of her. What would happen if he was told he couldn't come into class if he hasn't showered and put clean clothes on? If you can't find a suitable resource and he's better with written and or picture instructions, I'd be inclined to make a booklet saying exactly what he would understand from your knowledge of him. What about his fellow students- are they supportive? Being creative sorts maybe they could help by acting out the scenario of someone who has no friends because of his personal hygiene problem? Just a thought!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
