While there have been attempts to show me the skills of personal appearance, it was really something that did not click until earlier this year after I realized that there are more benefits rather than struggles when I take the time doing things like showering, clothing selection and so forth.

Over two decades ago, attempts were made to teach me personal hygiene skills. It is sad in a way to say that I was given a bath every day until I was 11 years old. Until recently, just getting in the shower carried its own struggle. Ironically, it does for many autistic individuals. Sometimes it takes shadowing the skill being modeled to see how something is properly done. Just a few weeks ago, I had watched an aide in the nursing home where my father was trimming the nails on him and saw that it was not as invasive as I had thought it was compared to my practice of just digging and ripping the nails off.

Some of the common struggles that exist with the arena as it relates to showering or bathing include the number of steps it involves or the variation of temperatures that can be challenging to the sensory palate. Eventually, I have seen the personal comfort along with the feel of cleanliness that something like showering can provide. Therefore, I have taken an interest in caring for my body in that regard.

Other issues that come with personal care and appearance have come naturally and they too in time have shown their benefits pay off in dividends. This can include taking care of any presentable and appropriate facial hair, making sure that I select clothing appropriate for the situation along with recognizing things like preventing spills on clothing and so forth.

Many times, it can be hard to focus on something when there is a lack in interest, or it there is no visible benefit in doing something without realizing that oneself is not called out as often by those that care and support them see issues that need to be addressed. For me, I was tired of hearing all the feedback as it was irritating and challenging to digest, especially by my family.

I now understand that they are saying these things because they want to make me aware of these things so I am not called out about them by any stranger on the street in a way that could not make myself be appreciated or valued as a member of society or the community. Making appropriate choices no longer has me being anxious or living in fear of being called out or judged simply because I do not look presentable when I am required to  be.

Being there can be sensory challenges when it comes to having to work on these skills but being patient with myself and realizing that I have no one overshadowing as I am learning in my time, in my way, having the skills such as taking care of my body and looking presentable when I need to be has proven exceptionally beneficial in the long run. I am proud to be in a much better place than I was for an extraordinarily long time.