Help!
I need advice. My 10yo has ADHD and SPD. She is in OT to help with the sensory issues particularly with bathing and wearing clothes. We have gotten her into a routine of bathing once a week and we are trying to add in a second day (she’s at about 50% success for that now which is huge).
Anyways, she had surgery just over a week ago and she is back to completely refusing to bathe or shower. We’ve been trying dry shampoo but her hair is still a mess and she just really needs a good bathing.
I feel like I’m being neglectful letting her go to school like this. She has already missed so much for a variety of issues, but letting her go to school with weeks-old greasy knotted hair doesn’t seem like a great option, either. She absolutely refuses and melts down at the mention of any of this. I wait for her to calm down, I’ve tried being gentle and I’ve tried being more assertive. It always ends with her screaming and throwing things, no matter what I try.
Obviously we need to work more with OT (we’re operating on a wait list basis now so we have appointments randomly and spread far apart). But idk if this is mostly sensory or just her being frustrated about having surgery and being on crutches, etc.
I’ve been trying to get this going for days. Now it’s Sunday evening and we’re running out of time. I can’t keep her home anymore but how can I send her to school like this??
What would you do??? I feel very lost at the moment. I know she’s hurting but I don’t know how to help.