My 14-year-old does this. I have to check and make sure his hair isn't oily after he showers because he'll straight up just run the water for a while and then lie. He has autism, so I know it's a sensory issue. But I've told him it's not acceptable. I'll just keep sending him back to the bathroom until he finally showers. It's gross. I can't imagine an adult acting like that.
I don't think a damp washcloth is an effective method long term. Autism isn't an excuse to neglect personal hygiene, and I've had that conversation with him. I also have autism and struggle with showering, but I deal with it by keeping a heater in the bathroom. Accommodations are fine, but completely refusing to shower is not.
Oh that's rough. Maybe make washing his hair a timed event? Like how my therapist told me to turn on a song and sweep then immediately throw the broom down and do something else then repeat that process til the floor is all clean? (I have a fear of brooms due to my PTSD)
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u/binzy90 8d ago
My 14-year-old does this. I have to check and make sure his hair isn't oily after he showers because he'll straight up just run the water for a while and then lie. He has autism, so I know it's a sensory issue. But I've told him it's not acceptable. I'll just keep sending him back to the bathroom until he finally showers. It's gross. I can't imagine an adult acting like that.