Published on 12, July, 2020
Our son doesn’t seem to have a sense of urgency, unless it relates to something he is wanting to do. Each evening, at bedtime he will go to the loo and brush his teeth, but almost every night, he will be in there for an hour or more, even with constant reminders to hurry (only 1 bathroom for 3 or 4 people). Do other people find this is true with their autistic children? It causes a lot of upset in the family and impacts the relationships between son and parents. This can also occur just as a meal is being served (disappears to bathroom), or when we have an appointment… If someone else is desperate for the bathroom, it can still take 20 mins of chasing… Please help! Thank you
This sounds familiar, similar situation, although not quite so long.
In relation to mealtimes, we try to give a warning in the hope he goes before meal is ready. If not he's not bothered if it cools a little.
Reasons for long while in the bathroom can be stressed in respect of what is happening next. He finds a long time in shower relaxing and his hair has to look just right.
Our son struggles with passage of time and changing activity and can get involved in something and lose track of time.
We often have to check before going into bathroom as he can have sudden urgencies.
Have you tried discussing and coming to some sort of agreement regarding the time he goes? Our lives are quite structured which can feel pressurised but at least we have an idea mostly as to when we can use the facilities.