autism-pakistan.org

rabia · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Lahore

hi
my sister used to be very difficult when it came to nail cutting and now recently she has become completely resistant to the idea...never really liked getting it done before either..i read sumwhere that body massages and especially to the shoulders help but she dusnt really like massages and any deep pressure touch either...what can eb done?

saima · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 10:06 pm Post subject:

Hi Rabia,

While nail clipping is hard for the majority of the kids and adults on the spectrum as their finger tips are very sensitive to touch and nails give them some protection.....it's more for some than others and can vary from time to time. This is what's worked for some...

Tell her only 2 nails at a time and reinforce compliance with a favourable sensory stimulation or snack....along with praises.

Not all individuals with autism like pressure...but apply pressure (gentle squeeze on the fingers and the finger tips) might help her relax.

Also what you use for clipping can be a factor....use pretend play by clipping doll nails, clip yours in front of her and show her before and after. ...
Hope this is helpful.

Saima

rabia · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Lahore

i have tried reinforcers and modelling but shes become just absolutely phobic...and shes physically so powerful that its very difficult to control her to once show that nothing wont happen, i even tried clipping her nails off with my hands since they were so long i didnt need a nail cutter but i guess we need to form a more sophisticated plan...
thanx a lot!

saima · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 10:41 pm Post subject:

Social stories are the most successful way of dealing with a number of issues. Use real pictures or try writing with symbols program for this. Check out links and more information about the social stories.....it's also been discussed more on the meetup forum.

Saima