Does hair brushing often lead to tears and tangles in your home? For children with autism, sensory sensitivities can make this routine task challenging. In this guide, we'll explore sensory-friendly hair brushing techniques to ease the process for both you and your child.
Where do we start?
You're not alone if daily hair brushing feels overwhelming. We've compiled a step-by-step plan, complete with tool recommendations, to help make this task more manageable and less stressful for both you and your child.
lets start with it the hair is really bad full of knots. And you feel judged or worried and don't know where to start.
🧘♀️ Take a Deep Breath
.Take a moment to breathe. Managing tangled hair, especially with sensory sensitivities, can be challenging. I've been there—feeling frustrated and unsure. Remember, with patience and the right strategies, progress is within reach.
Well first of all know that your child's sensory issues is part of their disability. It's something that is very common and if you inform people who need to know it can take a big pressure of you.
So if your child struggles and you are concerned that sometimes they may miss school or not be completely knot free and that you think school or others may think neglect is involved. Breath. They don't think that. Most people who are aware of issues will understand and accept that you are working on things.
When Emily started preschool, we included a note in her communication diary about her struggles with hair brushing. This proactive step helped teachers understand the situation, alleviating concerns about neglect and reducing our stress.
How to bust those pesky knots the sensory friendly way
Step-by-Step Guide:
Section the Hair: Divide into manageable parts based on your child's comfort. I started with two sections and then sectioned those into two more sections. Only working on what she was ok with and just tiring up the rest separate for that session.
Apply Detangler: Generously spray each section and let it sit for a few minutes.
Gentle Brushing: Start from the ends, brushing one inch at a time, moving upward. So bottom inch. Then bottom two inches bottom three Inches etc
Take Breaks: After each section, pause to prevent sensory overload. If you can't do all don't worry. We can tackle it another day or even in another hour.
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Other tips and tricks
To reduce morning tangles, try braiding your child's hair into a single or multiple braids before bedtime. This not only keeps hair manageable but also simplifies the morning routine. If you can't braid it child won't let you see if you can get some sectioning done the night before so it's already parted in the morning.
Using the detangler at every hair time. Even if you don't think it's needed. And working on washing regularly to keep it manageable. If you struggle with washing follow our guide here
So these are the tips that worked for us hopefully they will help you also. And it takes time if it takes a few days for you to get a good reset THATS OK!!!
Struggling with toothbrushing have a look at our step by step guide
Have any tips that helped you? Share in the comments
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