Occupational therapy hacks for Menstruation in children with special needs

A lot of the girls with special needs face sensory issues with everyday objects. For example, the feel/texture of a sanitary pad may seem small to you. But to the child, it is a great source of discomfort. Under these circumstances, parents should be made aware of such needs, and handle them when choosing a sanitary pad for their girl. This article is based on the presentation attached above based on inputs shared by occupational therapist Ms. Snehal Vaidya. 

6 Tips to ensure your child’s safety and comfort

Occupational therapy hacks for menstruation in children with special needs involve customized modifications incorporated into a child’s everyday routine. These are based on their individual abilities or goals. This will help them perform their daily living activities with ease and without too much distress.

A) Comfort

Periods and menstruation can be uncomfortable at times for most. This can be even more irritating and uncomfortable for girls with additional needs, owing to lack of communication and sensory sensitivities.

• It is therefore important to consider your child’s sensory preferences while choosing the sanitary products. 
• Remember, just because it feels alright to you, it might not necessarily suit your child as well. Similarly, preferences may change over time.
• There are a number of factors to be considered before selecting the right product for your child such as the feel of the menstrual pad, any fragrance they might have and the linings of the pads that may cause discomfort.

B) Access

Children on the autism spectrum are rather good at following a set routine. 

This can be helpful in teaching them the skills required to take care of themselves and follow the steps involved in menstrual hygiene.

• In order for your child to take care of themselves, make sure all sanitary products such as menstrual pads,undergarments, soaps etc. are easily accessible. 
• This will make things easy for them to follow and help them carry out these tasks with greater independence and less dependence on the caregiver. 

C) Technique

• There are different ways to fix a sanitary pad to the underpant and use it safely.
• Find a method that is suitable for the child – one that can be taught easily and which ensures the child’s comfort. 
• Using visual aids to teach the child to use a sanitary pad is an effective way to help them understand the process.

D) Play time

• Using play time to teach the child is another method that can be used. 
• Use the child’s dolls to teach the techniques of fixing and changing the pad.
• Upon repetition, the child will gradually learn and get comfortable with doing these tasks herself.

E) Changing the pads-using visual cues

An important process during the period is identifying when the pad needs changing. 

This can be taught using visual cues 

• A big red spot means that the pad needs to be changed soon
• A medium red spot means the pad can be changed after some time
• A small red spot that does not get bigger, means that period have almost ended and pads are no longer needed
• In case, red spots appear on the underpants, that means the pads need adjusting. Help the child change into fresh underpants and wash the old ones.

Visual cues also come handy to explain the important activity of changing pads at regular intervals. 

• Once periods start, set a specific routine when the child can go and change the pad as taught. 
• For example, once at 8 am, then at 2 pm, then again at 8pm. 
• Make sure to keep in mind your child’s flow and comfort before creating specific times for changing pads.
• Similarly, it may be a good practice to wear a pad a few hours before in anticipation of bleeding, rather than after the bleeding starts.
• Therefore, plan and give your child to wear pads on specific days according to their cycles.
• However, make sure pads are changed frequently and are not used for prolonged time, as they may cause irritation and rashes.

Warning

Irrespective of the amount of bleeding, teach your child using visual cues to change pads regularly to prevent infection and other skin issues.

This need not be painful for you!

Taking care of your child and supporting them during their periods might be demanding, but it should not take a toll on your child or you.

• Supporting them while they carry out their activities of menstrual care and hygiene may be physically taxing for you as well.
• Therefore, plan your comfort as well. Find a suitable position for yourself, to avoid any physical distress, when they lean over you while changing or dressing up.

F) Allow self expression

As the child grows, grooming is a big part of self expression. 

Therefore, allowing a child to take care of themselves, dress up, do their hair, will instill self-confidence and is crucial for a healthy image of self.

Also, check out the presentation on Tips to handle menstrual hygiene and ways to tackle menstrual blues.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. So, for any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can either call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for safe management.