Do you have any advice on encouraging a tactile defensive teenage boy to to shave?

Naomi

This discussion was created from comments split from: Hi, I'm Arlene. I'm a Specialist Learning Disability Occupational Therapist..

Naomi

Hi Arlene,
I wonder if you have any advice on encouraging a tactile defensive teenage boy to to shave? Someone on the site has suggested using an electric toothbrush to get him used to the throbbing sensation, which is certainly a good idea, but if you have any other thoughts on this I would love to hear them.

BusyOT

Hi Naomi, my first thought is "does he have to shave?". I guess the answer to that depends on his age and peer group.
If he does have to shave though then there are a few options you could try. It's tricky when I don't know the person and their particular preferences but I'll list some of the things that I would think about ..
- Shave gel / foam / cream etc
- Electric / Manual Razor
- Time, ensure it's a time he's calm & relaxed, possibly after an enjoyable activity
- Place, in the bath is often successful
- Can he do it himself or does he need assistance? He will potentially be less defensive if he does it himself.
- If the sensation of shaving has been really difficult how can you "make it go away"? I would use the techniques & strategies that you currently use in other situations.
It may be that he won't be able to shave "regularly" but only when he is able to tolerate it.
Do stay in touch and let us know how you get on.

Naomi

Hi, many thanks for this. Yes, I would like him to shave, fortunately he is quite fair so is unlikely to be too hairy. I have encouraged him to hold a razor in the bath and to touch the foam. I think it will be this part which is the most difficult as he is very tactile defensive, whereas he is now learning to clean his own teeth with an electric toothbrush so in theory should learn how to use electric razor. Anyway I shall perservere with this and let you know how i get on. Thanks again for your help.

BusyOT

Hi Naomi - I've just had another thought - Immac or Veet as it's now called. If he can tolerate cream on his face, or you can build up his tolerance then it might be more acceptable than a razor.

Emma

Ooh I hate to butt in, but a friend of mine tried hair remover on her 14-year-old son's moustache and it brought him out in a rash! If you are going to go down that route, Naomi, I would try a small amount first and test for reactions. Emma.