Body Care in Autism

Even if an autistic person fully understands that hygiene rules should be followed, adhering to conditions set by others and not personally for them can be a challenging task. There are many different reasons for this, often related to sensory system functioning, difficulties understanding the sequence of actions, and resistance to changes in routine. There are several methods for teaching autistic individuals personal care — it’s enough to explain what needs to be done.

1. Creating Structure and Sequence. Use visual schedules: pictures, checklists, or cards with step-by-step instructions can help remember the order of actions. Identical actions should be performed at the same time: for example, tooth brushing should always be done after breakfast and before bed.
2. Sensory Features. If a child dislikes the sensation of water, you can use a sponge or wet wipes before a full wash. Choose toothbrushes with soft silicone bristles, and fragrance-free shampoos and soaps if regular ones cause discomfort. The sound of a hairdryer, electric toothbrush, or running water can also be a source of anxiety, so noise-canceling headphones can be helpful during bathroom visits.
3. Learning Through Play. Dolls and toys can serve as excellent “mannequins” for demonstrating how to care for the body. Hygiene procedures are best presented as a game: a sequence of pictures with text or videos explaining the importance of body care can be used as visual aids.
4. Supporting Motivation. If the child shows independence, reward them — with a “medal” sticker or another form of praise. Don’t underestimate their intellect — an autistic person will understand the explanation of how and why hygiene is beneficial: for example, you can demonstrate (preferably through pictures) that clean hands protect from germs and clean teeth prevent pain.
5. Gradual Adaptation. If a particular action (e.g., nail cutting) causes significant stress, proceed gradually and start small — first, simply touch the scissors, then cut one nail, then two… By taking these small steps, the child will gradually approach the goal. Before beginning a hygiene procedure, you can set a timer or play their favorite song to help control, for example, the duration of tooth brushing.

It is important to take individual characteristics into account and not rush the child. Over time, regularity and adaptation will make hygiene more familiar and comfortable for an autistic person.

Overall, patience is the key quality to exhibit when interacting with such a child, regardless of what needs to be explained. However, the task becomes significantly easier if both the disorder and its symptoms are addressed. Cell therapy, a modern, safe, and, most importantly, reliable method for treating autism, can help with this.

The therapy is as natural as possible and utilizes the body’s own regenerative capabilities. It involves stem cell transplantation, the unique feature of which is the ability to transform into any other type of cell. This allows damaged cells, which cause malfunctions in the brain and nervous system, to be replaced with healthy analogs. Positive results appear shortly after the procedure and can last for a long time, often for life, thus enhancing the effectiveness of additional corrective measures.

An important aspect is that the method uses the patient’s own stem cells — this eliminates the risk of rejection. This approach has received high recognition from the medical and scientific community and may become the primary method in the fight against autism. Currently, it is practiced by only a few leading clinics worldwide, one of which is the Mardaleishvili Medical Center. The center is equipped with the latest generation of equipment, operated by highly qualified doctors with extensive successful experience helping autistic individuals. The services at the center are more affordable compared to other countries with developed healthcare systems, and the staff provides necessary assistance with trip planning, accommodation, and other matters.

Take advantage of cell therapy — and the autistic person will become neat and clean!