What this section is about
Explain the help your child needs with washing, bathing, showering, hair washing, teeth brushing, toileting hygiene, deodorant, periods or general cleanliness.
Avoid saying
- They do not like washing.
- They are lazy with hygiene.
- They make a fuss.
Better ways to explain
- My child needs repeated prompting and supervision to wash properly.
- Sensory distress around water, smells, textures and temperature makes washing extremely difficult.
- Without adult support, my child would not maintain safe or appropriate hygiene.
Example wording
My child requires adult prompting, reassurance and supervision to complete washing and hygiene tasks. Sensory sensitivities to water, temperature, smells and textures can cause distress, refusal or meltdown. Washing takes significantly longer than it would for another child of the same age.
Evidence that helps
- sensory report
- Behaviour diary
- Parent diary
- School concerns about hygiene
- Photos of visual routines if used
- Notes about support required
Common mistakes
- Saying "they can physically do it"
- Forgetting prompting
- Forgetting distress
- Forgetting how long it takes
- Forgetting what happens if they refuse
Part of the Bright Steps Ultimate Guide. For the full interactive walkthrough with printable templates, sign in and visit the DLA Guide.