hygiene

hygiene

i have a soon to be 17 year old daughter and she's been diagnosed for about 7 years now with aspergers. my concern is that she has gone throught periods of time where she neglects her hygiene. this has gone on for years, but, seems to have gotten worse. is this a trait that others with AS have. she refuses to brush her teeth, take showers etc. i need to  know i'm not alone with this.
Reply from: Wayne Yankus Date: Apr 15, 2008 at 11:54 am

you are not alone.  Asperger's is a spectrum of all types of children and adults. Some are very good with personal care and others need promting by family or peers.

If you use a daily planner prompt or some such reminder system for your 17 year old, include showering and other suggestions.

 As physicians we do worry about females when personal menstrual hygiene is neglected as it is a source of infection.  Please reminder her of her obligation to take care of all aspects of her personal care.

Wayne A. Yankus, MD, FAAP
expert panelist: pediatrics

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