As you go through different stages of your life, finding the personal hygiene routines that work best for you while protecting your health. Showering, using deodorant and shampooing your hair regularly keeps people around you at home, work and in the community comfortable and makes it easier to make friends. If you come to work without bathing or deodorant you may hear from your supervisor at work about it.

Your schedule and needs may change over time depending on stage of life, your work hours and the type of work you do. Think about what works best for you. If you live with a roommate, romantic partner or family, consider and plan around their needs and schedules as well. Especially if you are sharing a bathroom. If you share a bathroom and you both need to be done by a certain time of day you could set up a schedule that shows when you will each shower.

Taking good care of your personal hygiene helps prevent infections, rashes and other health issues. Washing your hands with soap regularly, especially after using the toilet, doing chores, touching raw meat, or when you first come home after being out, is a great way to stay healthy. If washing your hands isn't possible, hand sanitizer is a good alternative.

Think about your different hygiene activities such as taking a shower daily, washing your hair regularly, putting on deodorant each morning and brushing your teeth at least every morning and night. If you shave, plan when and how often you will. Also make it a habit to clean up after yourself, especially if you live with other people.

Some of these personal care routines can be very soothing and calming when you're going through stress. For example, try taking a relaxing bath. How you like to style or wear your hair, color or cut it, or do your nails, can be a way to express yourself.

Find the Products that Work for You

It’s very important to find deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and other personal items you feel comfortable with and will use regularly. Try different items and think about whether the challenge might be sensory issues. It’s common for autistic people to be over or under sensitive to sounds, lights, smells and tastes. So for these types of hygiene products you may like a fragrance-free product or a specific type of fragrance better.

Some hygiene activities may pose a sensory challenge. For example, toothbrushing, including taste or smell of toothpaste, the design of the toothbrush (vibrating or not, color/shape). Test out a variety of toothbrushes, unflavored or different flavors of toothpaste and flossers. You may want to try a toothbrush designed for autistic people such as this one.

Personal Care Tips

Wash your face with water and soap, ideally each morning and night. Building these habits may prevent or lessen acne. If you have acne, over the counter acne face wash and pads may be helpful. Consult your doctor or a dermatologist for skin issues.

Make sure you keep your nails clean and clean under your fingertips regularly. Clip or file your nails depending on how long you like to keep them. If you use it, change your nail polish regularly to keep your nails healthy. If you use acrylic nail tips you need to attend regular maintenance appointments and watch for signs of infection.

Sometimes people get dandruff in their hair which fall off and may look like flakes of white on the top of your shirt by your shoulders. If your hair starts to look greasy that may also be a sign of dandruff or that you’re not rinsing your shampoo well enough. If you think you have dandruff, a dandruff shampoo may help.

For people who have menstrual periods, make sure you have a plan for using and changing regularly whichever kind of sanitary pads or tampons you prefer. If you're struggling with this, discuss it with your primary care physician about options and whether to see a gynecologist.

If you are sexually active or want to be, make sure you understand sexuality issues including birth control options. For example, masturbation is a natural part of sexuality but should be done in the right place (in private) and be sure to clean up afterwards. We will be adding articles about sexuality, dating and relationships to the Milestones Autism Planning (MAP) Tool later this year.