Tips to stop hands constantly in the pants

[alwaysusethebiglight]

My son has Autism and has his hands in his pants, touching his privates, constantly at the minute. He’s nearly 13.

We had this when he was younger but it seemed to settled. I don’t know if it’s hormones or sensory seeking. Any tips?
id like to avoid tight clothing as he’s gaining independence and changing his clothes.

What is DS’s understanding like? Would he understand if you explained it is something that needs to be kept to his bedroom and bathroom and then directed him there each time?

Keeping hands otherwise busy can sometimes help.

@scoopofmintchocchipicecreamunderstanding is very limited and I don’t think I’m communicating it very well either. I need to put it simplistically. However I don’t think just telling him will work, it’s an impulse and there’s not much thought around it.

If DS’s understanding is limited, it might not work, but I didn’t mean just explain once and expect that to be sufficient. If only it was that easy! I meant say only in the bedroom/bathroom, then direct him there, then each time following that say remember bedroom/bathroom and direct/take him there (if appropriate timing).

Down Syndrome Scotland has an easy read Let’s talk about Puberty booklet that covers this, but from what you say I think it will still be too much for DS. It uses the word private rather than bedroom/bathroom, though. If you think it would help/work, you could use the booklet to make a version that would work for DS.

Have you tried speaking to the SENCO at school or teacher if special school? They may have PSHE resources or visuals to support or should be able to write a Social Story for him.

This is an American resource but lots of resources, ideas and visuals to use. Ideas for teaching which activities should be public or private.

https://info.fragilex.org/hubfs/2023%20April%20Webinar%20Resources/HealthyBodies-Boys.pdf

@scoopofmintchocchipicecreamthanks I’ll take a look.

@24Dogcuddleri think talking to the school is a good idea, they’ve mentioned it this week as well.