Should we take care of your body? Help for boys with autism

Son, as you grow older, your body goes through a lot of changes. This is very normal, and it's different for everyone. Sometimes these changes are a little new, and they can cause a little bit of confusion for you and your parents. So today, let's talk about what these changes are, why they happen, and how you can keep your body clean and healthy with these new things. Especially if you have a child with autism, getting used to these new things can feel a little different. But don't worry, we'll keep it all simple.

Why should we take care of our bodies?

Think about it, your toy, or your favorite book. You take care of it, right? That's how our bodies are. As we grow up, our bodies just keep changing. With these changes, we need to learn to keep our bodies clean in a new way, that is, to take care of hygiene . Only then can we stay healthy and happy without getting sick. Also, as we grow up, we interact with other people in society. Then it is very important for us to be clean and tidy. It is good for us and for others.

Things that happen when you grow up - we call it puberty

As you gradually become a young boy, that is, a man, your body changes a lot, both inside and out. This is the time we call puberty . This doesn't happen all at once, but gradually, over a period of years. These changes are caused by special chemicals in your body called hormones . They are what tell your body, "Okay, it's time to grow up." Now let's see what these changes are:

1. Oiliness of skin and hair increases

Have you ever noticed that sometimes your face and forehead feel a little shiny and oily? Your hair can feel oily too. This is because the oil-producing glands in your skin (sebaceous glands) are more active during this time.

• What are you doing?
• Wash your face at least twice a day using a gentle soap.
• Wash your hair with a good shampoo at least twice a day to control oiliness.
• Sometimes you may get small pimples / acne on your face. That is also normal these days. If you get pimples, don't squeeze or pop them. If that happens, you may end up with big scars. If you have a lot of pimples, you can ask your parents to see a doctor.

2. Body hair growth

Another thing is that new hair, or vellus hair, starts to grow in different parts of your body.

• A mustache will start to appear on the face, then hair will appear on the cheeks, chin, and neck.
• Under the armpit.
• In the legs.
• In the areas covered by your underwear, that is, the private area / pubic areaHair is growing all around.

This is also a normal thing that happens to boys as they grow up. Some get hair early, some a little later. It varies from person to person.

• What do you do about this?
• When you grow hair under your armpits and in your private parts, it's important to keep those areas clean. Sweating can cause germs to accumulate in those areas.
• When you get facial hair, if you want, you can talk to your dad and learn how to shave when you're a little older. It's not something you have to do all at once.

3. Increased sweat odor

Unlike before, now when you sweat, you can get a bit of a strong body odor . This odor is especially noticeable under the armpits. This is due to hormonal changes. This odor occurs when sweat combines with bacteria on the skin.

• What are you doing?
• Bathe/shower every day. Clean your body thoroughly with soap. Especially wash sweaty areas like armpits and groin.
• After showering, you can dry yourself thoroughly and use a deodorant . Deodorant controls the smell of sweat. Some types of antiperspirant also reduce sweating.
• Wear clean, washed clothes every day. You should especially change your underwear every day.

"Son, it may seem a little difficult to form new habits with these changes. But after a while, these will become part of your daily routine."

4. Voice change

Your voice will gradually become deeper and a little hoarse. Sometimes, when you speak, your voice may suddenly go up and down, or even crack. Don't worry about it. This is normal. This is because your larynx or voice box is getting bigger. Your voice will stabilize after a while.

5. Changes related to sexual organs

This is also a very important part. Your sexual organs, namely your penis and testicles, are growing during this time. Along with this, you may have several new experiences.

• Erection :

Have you ever felt your penis suddenly get bigger, thicker, and straighter? This is what we call an erection . It can happen for no reason at all. It can happen while you're sleeping, or just sitting, or even when you're thinking about something. It's something you can't control, and it's very normal. It happens to every boy and every man. It means that your body is growing healthily.

• Ejaculation:

Sometimes, when your penis is erect, a thick, white fluid may come out of it. We call this fluid semen . This release of semen is called ejaculation . This may feel a little strange at first, but it becomes normal as you get older.

• Wet Dreams:

Sometimes when you wake up in the morning, you may find that your underwear or bed sheets are wet. This means that you have been ejaculating without realizing it while you were sleeping. We call this Wet Dreams / Nocturnal Emission . This is due to the activity of your hormones. There is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of. This is also very normal. If so, change your underwear and clean those areas. If you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about these sexual things, that is also normal. But it is very important to know these things. If you have questions about this, do not be afraid to ask your mother, father, or an adult you trust (for example, a doctor, teacher).

How do you get used to these new things?

With all these changes, you have to establish some new routines.

• Bathing: Bathe every day. Use soap and clean your body thoroughly.
• Brushing teeth : Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Clothes: Wear clean clothes, especially underwear, every day.
• Personal hygiene: Always keep your private parts clean. Wash thoroughly after urinating and defecating.

Establishing these habits can be a bit challenging, especially if you have a child with autism. You may take a while to get used to new things, or you may have sensory sensitivities, such as the smell of soap or the temperature of the water.

• Things you can do:
• Talk to your parents and start doing these new things one by one, one at a time.
• Maybe it would be easier for you if you showed me a visual schedule of how to do these things with pictures.
• If you are uncomfortable with a type of soap that smells or feels uncomfortable, ask for help choosing another one.
• If it's hard to do all of this at once, try doing just one new thing a day.

The most important thing is to know that you are not alone. Your family and doctors are there to help you and make you understand these things.

Let's remember this (Take-Home Message)

Son, you are at a very important time in your life right now. You are growing from a little boy into a young man.

• Changes are normal: All these changes in your body – oily skin , hair growth , body odor, voice changes, erections, ejaculation, wet dreams – are all very normal. They are all happening because you are growing healthily.
• Cleanliness is important: With these changes, it's important to learn to be clean in a new way. It's good for your health and your confidence.
• Autism and Changes: If you have a child with autism, you may need special help and more time to get used to these new things. There's nothing wrong with that. Talk to your parents and start doing these things in a way that's comfortable for you.
• Ask questions: If you have any questions about this, don't keep them to yourself. Ask an adult you trust. It's not something to be ashamed of. It's important to be informed.

With all this, we all wish you to grow up beautiful, healthy, and strong!

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Puberty, Autism, Hygiene for boys, Body changes boys, Taking care of body