My daughter has a main diagnosis of Down Syndrome and hearing loss.... she also has Sensory Processing Disorder. Lately, she has started freaking out if we turn on water on a faucet, and especially if we put her in the tub!!! She is 2 years old and only weighs 16 pounds but giving her a bath is such a task I am worn out for hours afterwards! And worst of all... she has to have a bath every night because she chews on her hair all the time!! She litterally climbs out of the tub and we have to hold her down and just dump water over her and throw some shampoo on her and dump water over her again... I usually end up trying to do this on my own and I'm holding her down with one hand as she wiggles her way out of my grip, climbs up the tub like a spider-monkey, and screams....It is horrible!! She used to LOVE bath time and used to sit and play with toys.... but NOW... It Is Horrible!!! Any suggestions? Ideas? Anyone else deal with this? I have tried bath seats, I have tried putting her back in a baby tub, I have tried putting her in a tub with no water and just using a bucket of water to wash her.... she still freaks out at the site of the water.... but she loves to get in the tub and play when she has on clothes and it is dry!! HELP! I'm afraid I'm going to hurt her trying to hold her down... or that she's going to throw herself into the water and drawn herself (tho she wouldn't drawn since I'm right there)...
Katie - mommy to Kylee (princess, and big sister) since 10-30-05 and Auriana (our miracle baby girl with DS, CHD, and HOH) since 09-17-08 (www.carepages.com/carepages/Aurianasheart)
God Bless You All!!
Hi Katie-
So sorry to hear about this. My son has also had sensory problems with water. He is not ambulated though so he can not slip from your grip. Does your child have early intervention therapist that could give you ideas?
Also, I have 2 special needs children and they actually seem to it better when I gave them a shower with me. You can wear a bathing suit if you feel uncomfortable. it took less time than a bath and gives a different sensation. It is at least worth a try. My youngest is now 15 and still screams through his bathtime.
Blessings, MacciatoMom
my son was like that . we just got in with him. he felt more secure with one of us in the tub. it didn't take long before he could get in by his self again
Parent Corner
- Mom2kyky
on Nov. 24, 2010 at 11:17 PM