Personal Hygiene & Self-Care: Adult Expectations & Consistency
Summary
Autistic adults 18+ with sensory and executive function challenges. Hygiene system: visual timers, sensory-safe products, 10-min daily routine (shower, teeth, deodorant, clean clothes). Goal: daily showering and clean clothes 90% within 30 days for employment, social, health.
Key Points
- Routine: AM (6min: face, teeth 2min, deodorant); PM (5min: shower 5-10min, teeth, pajamas). 7 shirts (1/day, laundry Sunday).
- Shower: 5-10min lukewarm; wet, shampoo, rinse, wash body (underarms/feet/folds), rinse, dry, dress; timer; fragrance-free.
- Sensory: Lukewarm, unscented (Dove/Cetaphil), soft cloth, cap, earplugs, warm room, non-slip mat; dry shampoo between.
- Maintenance: Brush 2min 2x/day (pea paste, soft, floss picks); nails weekly (straight, file); hair 2-3x/week (short 3x, long 2x conditioner).
- Escalate for: Rash/infection/odor (dermatologist); swollen gums/cavities (dentist 6mo); extreme difficulty/depression (therapist/MD); sensory worsening (OT).
Poor hygiene significantly impacts 50% of autistic adults' job and social opportunities. The combination of sensory sensitivities, executive function challenges, and anxiety around hygiene routines often leads to skipped showers and laundry chaos. This comprehensive guide builds a sustainable "hygiene system" using visual timers, sensory-safe products, and a structured 10-minute daily routine. The goal is to establish daily showering and clean clothes practices 90% of the time within 30 days, creating independence and confidence.
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