Autism and shaving

[Debs75]

Ds, 11 is getting hairy. He has had body hair for a few months but we have just noticed he is starting to get a 'tache. It isn't very noticeable but it is going to be something we have to deal with within the next few years.

What is the best way to approach shaving him? I am thinking an electric razor, if he will tolerate it, as it is safer then blades.

Mine uses an electric razor, I help him wetshave when necessary.
Get him to try the shaver on his arm, or on his leg first so that he gets used to the sensation. It took my DS a while to cope with the buzzing and vibrations, so I started with a wet shave.

There was a really good 3 or 4 page article about this in Autism File magasine a couple of months ago. try googling it. I have kept it somewhere as we will have to address this in the next couple of years. I shall try and find it and let you know what it says.

I seem to remember they advocated electric but I guess each child will react in a different way.

My DS has excellent fine motor control, so shaving with a blade isn't a problem now. At first it was just learning a new skill that needed work.
He does use shaving oil rather than foam or gel, because you can see what you are doing in the mirror so much more clearly.
Electric is quicker and kinder to teenage spots that wet.

Thanks will look for that article eatyourveg.
I was hoping an electric would be easier as we do his hair on a no3 so he is used to the sound at least. It has took us several years tho to get to the point where he is able to stand still and have it done.

Electric seems fine for DS. But he's not good at noticing what he's shaved and what he hasn't, but I've not a clue what the answer is to that because I'm the same with just about anything to do with personal care...useless body map

DS can't see what he has shaved, his fingers tell him where there are patchy bits.

I suggest buying the shaver soon...even though its not needed....so he can just see it on the shelf and know its his.

We did this for DS1...2 years before he finally....of his own choice ....decided to use it.

He's 16 now and still really only had a few 'annoying' chin hairs.... but with a electric shaver... he needs no help from me...which is a bonus!