Breakthrough with hair issues!

[laurasnowbird]

Okay, you guys, I had to share because this may help somebody else. Ethan has major issues with having his hair brushed, and goes ballistic during haircuts, although he has gotten better.

I was reading some stuff about sensory integration dysfunction, trying to get some insight about what to do about Ethan chewing on books, and had an epiphany about something else, LOL! They were describing how a light touch can be painful for some kids, so yesterday and today, when I sat Ethan down to brush his hair, I used a different brush, with softer bristles, but pushed down harder while I was using it. I used firm pressure instead of my usual fairly light touch. He didn't freak out or fuss at all!

I'm anxious to share this with the gal who cuts his hair, and see if it helps to have her hold his hair more firmly when cutting it (almost like pulling it, LOL!) to see if the same holds true for haircuts. Here's hoping!

[ethansmammy]

My Ethan is the same with his hair - I'm going to give this a try too. Thanks for the tip.

Elaine.

[Emilysmom]

Makes sense to me Laura! Emily has always been the same way with "soft" touches; although not with hair brushing. I believe this is the reason she hates shaving her legs.......I think it just freaks her out to feel that light touch of the razor, and the vibration of an electric razor is even worse. Who'da thought??? So.........maybe for LOTS of kids, a firmer touch for many things is best.

Susan

[andrewsmom]

Hmmm...we also have trouble with brushing hair and ugghhh..don't get me started on hair cuts! I recently told my DH I was just going to let him grow it long and put it in a ponytail. LOL
I want to thank you for this tip and you can bet we will be trying this tomorrow morning...I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again!!

-Trisha

[Chris]

I am anxiously awaiting Ethan's next haircut! Haircuts have caused us so much grief. We found a hairdresser who has a child with multiple disabilities. We took Sarah to get her haircut and she threw a major fit. This wonderful lady offered to come to our house to cut Sarah's hair. The first time it was much better but each time she comes it has gotten worse. I decided to just let her hair grow but now we fight getting her hair brushed and in a ponytail or barrette. I'm not sure which is worse, a haircut every six weeks or getting her hair out of her face at least twice a day.

I'm happy that you have found something that works for Ethan. Keep us updated.

Chris

[Jessie]

I had read that somewhere before . . . wish I could remember where . . . that said that children with sensitivity issues actually do need a firmer touch. It's the soft touches that are actually more intense to them. I'm thinking it may have either been in an issue of Disability Solutions or maybe something on Autism.

The back of Jason's neck is extremely sensitive. If I go up to him and sort of tickle or lightly touch the back of his neck, it drives him nuts and he pulls away. However, if I just go up and place a hand on his neck it doesn't bother him. Brian knew he had finally gotten over his haircut issues when Jason actually pointed to the back of his head/neck for Brian to shave there!

Seems like in that same article I read they compared chewing on tinfoil to be the same feeling that these kids have when they have sensitivity issues.


Jessie

[momofrussell]

YES! We just talked a bit about this in this IEP workshop thing I went to last Monday. And Regan.. I know has sensory issues like this... I wish I knew more back when she was little.. but she is still like this today. It's funny.. you can tickle her back.. but alot of other "touch" stuff with her feet, hands and body in general.. NO way... and she is OVERYLY oral.. and I don't mean "mouthy" LMAO... she just has a VERY bad over stimulated oral fixation.. since she was little.

Maybe if I give her deep pressure.. she will be nicer to me? LMAO

A.