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Autistic + ADHD 10yo DS and cutting nails

1 reply

BlueRidgeMountain · 03/01/2024 22:15

I’m all out of ideas for tackling DSs toenails. He’s always had severe difficulty with cutting nails and hair, and we have got haircuts sorted (thanks to our fantastic hairdresser). For years I had to resort to cutting nails while he was asleep, which is challenging as he’s a terrible sleeper! We’ve been working on desensitising by getting him using a nail file first, and recently he’s started cutting his own fingernails. Fantastic, we thought, but he absolutely refuses to entertain even touching the toenails. They’re long again and starting to curl under, and this time I can’t get anywhere near him while he’s asleep to cut them without him moving and waking. Ive tried every night for a week and he keeps jerking soon as I even shine the light on his foot! he’s just kicked me in the face so I’ve admitted defeat again.

We have tried softening them in the bath, letting him cut mine (while I grit my teeth!), giving him a variety of cutters or nail scissors to do it himself, literally everything. He gets very agitated and keeps telling me he’d rather have both feet cut off and have to walk on stumps than cut toenails!
any suggestions before we consign him to a lifetime of toenails like tiger claws?

OP posts:
Clobberella · 09/01/2024 18:38

Sorry to hear you’re having trouble.

Is there a way to find out what is upsetting him about the process? The sound of the nail clipper? (Ours hates that - could be helped with ear defenders). Having his feet touched?

Keep trying - maybe even just with one nail at a time and using rewards immediately after. I know it is a tough age for sensory issues so this may not help. I feel for you but it will pass.

If it causes issues eg ingrown toenails or difficulty with footwear I would suggest seeing your gp who might be able to help. Your lovely boy isn’t the first or the last with this issue.

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