Tips for Hair Brushing in Autism: Managing Sensory Issues

The concept of autism hair brushing can be a challenging one. However, as a parent of an autistic child, you can manage it with a variety of well-thought-out strategies.

Many children on the spectrum can be extremely sensitive to having their hair touched or brushed. This often makes it a stressful part of their daily routine.

Understanding how sensory issues can specifically relate to hair brushing and employing effective strategies can make this a more positive experience. It is also critical to know what the root cause of your child’s aversion to hair brushing is. Let’s explore some detailed ideas for brushing your child’s hair while considering these sensory needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about sensory processing disorder, you can download your free guide here:

Why is hair brushing hard for a child with autism?

Many children with autism may feel uncomfortable having their hair brushed for sensory reasons. The feel of the brush on their very sensitive scalps may be overwhelming and painful, causing them to resist.

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common core feature of autism and causes the brain to react differently to sensory information.

Issues with sensory processing

Sensory processing disorder can make brushing your child’s hair particularly difficult. The scalp is a sensitive area for most children and adults, and this sensitivity can be heightened in autistic children.

Therefore, this may lead to sensory overload if one doesn’t address these challenges properly. The sensation of the brush’s bristles, the pulling of hair, and even the sound of brushing can be overwhelming.

The vestibular system controls the body’s sense of motion and balance. Because of that, many children, including those on the autism spectrum, may be sensitive to having their heads tilted forward or back.

These sensory issues can lead to avoidant behaviors and meltdowns, so you should address these challenges with targeted strategies.

Tips for hair brushing in autism

If your child struggles with hair brushing, the following tips aim to make this daily routine more manageable and less stressful. By incorporating these strategies, parents and caregivers can help create a more comfortable and positive experience for their children. 

1. Create a routine

Many children with autism who also have a sensory processing disorder depend on a steady and reliable routine, which is very important for them to feel comfortable with their hair care.

Brushing hair at the same time and in the same place each day provides predictability, which can be comforting for autistic children. Doing similar personal care tasks such as having their hair washed or combing their hair is also a good plan.

2. Make use of a sensory-friendly hair brush

The right choice of brush can go a long way. A sensory hair brush will have soft bristles that do not hurt their sensitive scalps. Using a detangling brush or one with flexible bristles can help reduce discomfort.

3. Gradual desensitization

Gradually, you should introduce the process of brushing hair. First, the child should be allowed to hold the brush and feel the bristles. After that, you can slowly proceed to brush a small portion of the child’s hair. You should also make sure you aren’t rushing with the duration and where you brush your child’s hair.

4. Add positive reinforcement

You can also use positive reinforcement to promote cooperation during hair care. This can take the form of praise and rewards for allowing their hair to be brushed, which helps them to associate this activity with a positive experience. Reinforcement of good behavior is created by being consistent.

5. Offer sensory input prior to brushing

Giving some calming sensory activities before brushing can do the magic. Activities like a deep pressure massage or engaging in vestibular activities (swinging) can modulate the system and make hair brushing more bearable.

Choosing the right sensory hair brush for autism

Selecting a suitable sensory hair brush can significantly impact a child’s hair-brushing experience, especially for those with autism. A sensory-friendly brush can make the routine more comfortable and less stressful. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind.

1. Look for soft bristles

Soft bristles reduce the chance of a child with a sensitive scalp feeling pain or discomfort. Special brushes for children with sensory issues have ultra-soft bristles that are gentle yet effective.

2. Consider the shape and the size of the brush

The size of the brush that fits in the child’s hand might make things easy to control. Ergonomic designs are easier on the grip, and that might be very important for children who have problems with fine motor control.

3. Experiment with brushes

Try different types of brushes to find out which is the most comfortable one for the child. What works for one child may not work for another, so be prepared to try different options until you get it right. Soft brushes may very often be the right choice but it may not always necessarily be the case.

What if your autistic child resists hair brushing?

Hair brushing resistance is quite common, but there are techniques to manage it.

1. Clearly communicate

Try using very simple, clear terminology in explaining hair brushing to your child. Visual schedules or social stories can be an effective tool to prepare the child for what to expect when they have their hair brushed.

2. Use distraction techniques

Things like allowing them to watch TV or listen to calm music may make the experience easier to bear. These are strategies that will shift attention away from the discomfort of hair brushing.

3. Seek professional help

When the routine still remains a high challenge, you can consult an occupational therapist for more strategies. The professional can offer customized advice and techniques according to the child’s needs.

Stay patient and seek help when necessary

Patience is needed when managing autistic children who face challenges in taking care of their hair. Maintain a calm and supportive attitude from start to finish.

If necessary, never hesitate to consult therapists or other professionals for specific instructions. Applying the right approach and tools can make managing hair brushing for children with autism less of a challenge.

FAQs

Q: How do you brush an autistic child’s hair?

A: Use a sensory-friendly brush, establish a routine, add positive reinforcement, and consider engaging in calming sensory activities beforehand.

Q: How do you desensitize hair brushing?

A: Gradual desensitization involves slowly introducing the process of hair brushing to the child by first simply allowing them to feel the brush, then gradually advancing to brushing small areas of hair.

Q: What hairstyles are good for autism?

A: Low-maintenance hairstyles involve very little brushing, so they often are the best style for autistic children struggling with sensory issues.

Q: How do you wash your autistic child’s hair? 

A: Use sensory-friendly hair products, ensure a steady routine, and use distractive techniques such as toys or music to make it bearable.

Q: Do kids with autism like haircuts? 

A: Many autistic children may find getting their hair cut difficult due to sensory sensitivities. The discomfort of the haircutting process for a child with autism can be overcome by early preparation and utilizing sensory-friendly techniques.

References

Autism Parenting Magazine. (2024, July 17). Autism: Haircuts: Tips and Management Strategies. Autism Parenting Magazine. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-haircuts/ 

Henderson, E. F. (2022). Autism, Autonomy, and Touch Avoidance. Disability Studies Quarterly, 42(1). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v42i1.7714 

Ibañez LV, Kobak K, Swanson A, Wallace L, Warren Z, Stone WL. Enhancing interactions during daily routines: A randomized controlled trial of a web-based tutorial for parents of young children with ASD. Autism Res. 2018 Apr;11(4):667-678. doi: 10.1002/aur.1919. Epub 2018 Jan 7. PMID: 29316336; PMCID: PMC5903955. 

Naik, S. J., & Vajaratkar, P. V. (2019). Understanding parents’ difficulties in executing activities of daily living of children with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative descriptive study. The Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51(3), 107-112. https://journals.lww.com/iopt/_layouts/15/oaks.journals/downloadpdf.aspx?an=00426538-201951030-00007 

Patil O, Kaple M. Sensory Processing Differences in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review of Underlying Mechanisms and Sensory-Based Interventions. Cureus. 2023 Oct 31;15(10):e48020. doi: 10.7759/cureus.48020. PMID: 38034138; PMCID: PMC10687592.

Schuetze M, Rohr CS, Dewey D, McCrimmon A, Bray S. Reinforcement Learning in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychol. 2017 Nov 21;8:2035. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02035. PMID: 29209259; PMCID: PMC5702301.

Touch hypersensitivity in children with autism – An analysis Dr. Sheila Christopher Dean of Research and Publication & Associate Professor in Rehabilitation Science, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli – 620 002, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. http://ijrar.com/upload_issue/ijrar_issue_20543588.pdf