Updated: May 17, 2017
Originally Published: Aug. 28, 2016
In our quest to foster independence in my son, who is on the autism spectrum, we diligently focused on daily living skills. We celebrated a significant milestone when he finally embraced toilet training. It was a joyous occasion for all of us, especially for my laundry appliances, which were getting a much-needed break from constant washing. We were filled with elation and felt victorious.
However, we overlooked a critical challenge that loomed ahead. Despite consultations with teachers, therapists, support staff, and fellow parents, the issue persisted. Time to face the dreaded… Hand Dryer of Doom (cue ominous music).
In an effort to be environmentally conscious, hand dryers have become commonplace in public restrooms. Unfortunately, these devices often feature motors that produce sounds akin to the wails of a beast from the underworld.
Telling my son, “Just dry your hands on your pants,” was not an effective strategy. The mere sound of the hand dryer terrified him after witnessing a stranger use one. As he grew older and began using the men’s restroom independently (with me stationed at the door, reassuring him and the other patrons that “Mom is right outside, feel free to call for help!”), it became apparent we needed a better solution.
So what worked? A hair dryer. Yes, that’s right! His former teacher, Mrs. Johnson, cleverly introduced a hair dryer after handwashing in the classroom. While he may not have developed a fondness for it, he learned to tolerate the noise. When she sent me a photo from a class trip to the mall that showed him using one, I couldn’t help but shed a few tears of joy.
Miracles can occur, even in the most unexpected places.
Then came the next challenge: another hand dryer—this one more menacing than before. It was one of those high-speed models that seemed to demand you to insert your hands into its gaping maw. Seriously, it looked like a prop from a low-budget sci-fi horror film! Just as my son had begun to manage the previous hand dryer, I found myself facing a new battle. I decided to adopt a more relaxed approach: “You might just have to deal with damp hands, kiddo. Some soggy fries are a small price to pay for avoiding this contraption.”
During a recent trip to the cinema, I observed that no other women dared to use this new device. They opted for paper towels instead, fully aware of the environmental implications. This hand dryer crossed the line for many, regardless of their typical social awareness.
There are certain situations that even a side of fries won’t remedy. This hand dryer is undoubtedly one of them. If I weren’t so frightened of it, I might have told it to “blow me.”
If you’re interested in more insights on parenting, consider exploring our other blog posts, such as the one on at-home insemination kits, which can be found here. Additionally, if you’re looking for authoritative resources on home insemination techniques, check out this intrauterine insemination guide. For those seeking comprehensive home insemination syringe kits, the BabyMaker kit is a trusted option.
In summary, navigating the challenges that come with raising a child on the autism spectrum requires patience and creativity. From toilet training to overcoming the fear of hand dryers, each small victory is a step toward independence and confidence.
Keyphrase: Hand dryer fear in autism
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