As a pediatrician, I understand the importance of fostering independence in children, particularly for those on the autism spectrum. One of my patients, a vibrant young boy, made significant strides in mastering daily living skills, especially when it came to toilet training. We celebrated this milestone, thinking we had overcome a major challenge. Yet, we were blissfully unaware of a lurking obstacle—The Hand Dryer of Doom.
In an effort to promote eco-friendliness, public restrooms now feature hand dryers that sound alarmingly similar to a jet engine. Unfortunately, these devices can be quite intimidating, especially for children with sensory sensitivities. My young patient was no exception; the first time he encountered one, he was petrified. Telling him to simply wipe his hands on his pants was not a viable solution, especially now that he was starting to navigate the men’s room independently, with me standing guard outside.
Finding a Solution
So what worked? Surprisingly, it was a hair dryer. His former teacher, Mrs. Thompson, cleverly introduced it as part of the hand-washing routine at school. While he didn’t exactly fall in love with it, he learned to tolerate it. When she sent me a picture from a class trip where he used the dryer, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of hope.
However, just when we thought we had conquered the hand dryer, we encountered an even more formidable foe: the Exlerator brand hand dryer. If you’re familiar with this model, you know just how loud it can be! The sight of it is reminiscent of a science fiction horror movie, and I was hesitant to even let him place his hands beneath it. I could feel my own anxiety flare up, and I was ready to concede defeat, saying, “You’ll just have to deal with wet hands, kiddo.”
A Shared Experience
During a recent trip to the movies, I noticed the new hand dryer in the restroom. Not a single woman opted to use it, opting instead for paper towels. It seemed that even those without sensory sensitivities found this device too overwhelming. After all, some things, like soggy fries, are just not worth the fight.
This experience is a reminder that parenting is often about navigating unexpected challenges, even in places as mundane as a bathroom. For more on navigating the complexities of parenthood and the journey of self-insemination, check out this resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while we may think we’ve tackled a hurdle, there always seems to be another one lurking around the corner. Whether it’s a hand dryer or another challenge, the journey of raising a child, particularly one with special needs, is filled with surprises.