Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 5/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a daughter, PDD/ocd, speach languange impaired.  I have explained the changes puberty will bring, etc.  My question is to you as a parent since none of my friends can help.  I am sure I will need to take care of all her sanitary needs.  How in the world will I manage to do this while she attends school/camp, etc?  She receives enough teasing without this added stress.  I am just curious as to any imput you can provide.  Thank you!

ANSWER: Hi Maureen

How old is your daughter and how high a level of functioning is she? If you can tell me a little more about her, I will try to help. I have dealt with this issue with several young ladies with varying degrees of functioning. So if you can tell me a little more about her, I will be happy to make suggestions for you.

I know it is scary for you. And I know it can feel isolating. Frankly, I prefer being with my friends who have children with special needs.

Get back to me!!

Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP
Author: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology
www.valerieherskowitz.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Valerie,

I can't believe I forgot to tell you her age. She is 11 1/2 and in a spec. ed class in school. She is high functioning but unable to function in a mainstream setting.  She needs assistance with daily tasks such as brushing her hair, putting on her shirt, etc. and since she has low muscle tone, she tends to lean towards constipation which is a whole other issue.  The problem that I have is that the children already tease her if she doesn't wipe correctly and smells and I think that when she does start her cycle, it will be extremely difficult for her to remember to go to the bathroom to change.  Sigh.  My friends have daughters close in age but none have gone through puberty as of yet so we are all trying to figure out what most people do in this situation.

I have explained the nuts and bolts to my daughter.  I let her see the pads and she doesn't seem afraid.

Maybe I worry too much. She is very good at adapting to her surroundings.  Do you have any suggestions?  Thank you so much for your time!

Answer
Hi Maureen

I am guessing that your daughter will need assistance when she starts her period as she still is requiring assistance with activities of daily living. By the way, do you use the Cottonelle wipes instead of toilet paper? They clean much more efficiently than regular toilet paper. Much better for our kids!!

For constipation, ask your doctor about a cocktail of 1 cupful(not a cup but the cup of the container) of Miralax mixed with 2 Tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia mixed into some juice.

I doubt your daughter will be afraid of the blood of her period unless she has demonstrated signs of fear of blood in the past. Most of our kids don't have that fear as they don't equate blood with a wound like we do.

It's hard to compare one child to another, so your experience with your daughter could be vastly different than your friends' experiences.

When the time gets a little closer, I think you should do a social story for her about getting her period. Let me know and I will write it for you and put it into PowerPoint format for easy explaining!!

Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP
www.valerieherskowitz.com
Author: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology