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i-Autism Step by Step Guide For Children with Autism | Taking a Shower

1 mins

How this guide works

Tasks: This is a list of the smaller steps involved in the activity. It breaks down the activity into more manageable parts.

Prompts: These are specific verbal or physical cues given by the caregiver to the child to initiate, guide, or reinforce the desired behavior.

Simple Prompts: This is a simplified version of the prompts.

Positive Reinforcers: This is a list of rewards or incentives used to encourage and reinforce the child’s positive behavior during the activity.

Strategies: These are general approaches or techniques used to achieve the desired outcome.

Checklist: This is a list of tasks or items to check off before, during, and after the activity.

Sensory: This is a list of any potential sensory issues that may arise during the activity that may be overwhelming for the child.

PECS: This stands for Picture Exchange Communication System and is a tool used to aid communication between a child with autism and their caregiver. In this case, we suggest using PECS images that focus on the specific actions involved in the activity.

Tasks

  1. Turn on the water and adjust the temperature
  2. Wet the washcloth
  3. Soap up the washcloth
  4. Clean the body
  5. Rinse off the soap
  6. Turn off the water

Prompts:

  • Start: “It’s time to take a shower” or “Let’s get clean”
  • During: “Wash your arm” or “Rinse off the soap”
  • End: “Good job, all clean!”

Simple prompts:

  • Start: “Shower time” or “Clean up”
  • During: “Wash” or “Rinse”
  • End: “Done” or “All clean”

Positive Reinforcers:

  • Praise for following each step
  • Favorite toy or activity after showering
  • Special snack or treat

Strategies:

  1. Use visual aids or a picture schedule to help the child understand the steps
  2. Use a preferred sensory toy or object during the shower to provide comfort
  3. Break down the task into smaller steps if needed

Checklist:

  • Ensure that the water temperature is not too hot or too cold
  • Have all necessary items (soap, washcloth, towel) ready before starting
  • Provide clear and concise prompts throughout the activity

Sensory:

  • The sound and feel of the water may be overwhelming for some children with sensory issues
  • The texture and smell of soap may also be overwhelming
  • Consider using unscented or mild soap if necessary

PECS:

  • Picture symbols of the shower, water, soap, washcloth, body, and towel can be used to help the child understand the steps and sequence of the task.
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