Why do autistic people hate showers?

We don't all hate showers, but showers can be very difficult for autistic people. Anyone relate? Please share your own experiences!
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[@chuusblackgf]

same, I like being clean but I HATE GETTING IN THE SHOWER i'm literally procrastinating getting into the shower rn

[@ChrysantheTan]

Relate. But then the downside is that the shower gets too hot and steamy and I don't like that. Guess the solution is to go inside at the *perfect* time haha.

[@betty179]

Saaame

[@JoannaSternbergYoutube]

ME TOO 😂

[@Plethorality]

@@ChrysantheTan using two towels helps, the first one, to very quickly get the most water off, then the second, as a dry towel on mostly dry skin. Sooo much better!!

[@Heizenberg32]

​@@Plethoralitytruth!

[@sufferingmp4102]

As an Autistic Person, I've always disliked showers, and I have literally no idea why. So... uh thanks for this video, it's saved me another decade of pondering why I hate showers.

[@ChrysantheTan]

Oh goodness, I'm glad you won't have to ponder it for a decade anymore. Maybe in 10 years, someone will invent a really comfortable, painless, instant shower experience for us...

[@luxiolooma]

I was just researching why I hate showers (because I didn't used to) and I saw this. It just so happens that I am Autistic.

[@ChrysantheTan]

@@luxiolooma It seems like a lot of us feel this way!

[@Ollie.H-23]

You took those words right out my mouth

[@brittanyg.9597]

I hate showering, idk why. I also like to be clean, but I hate the process. I haven’t been diagnosed but I have a lot of autistic traits.

[@ChrysantheTan]

story of my autistic life. hate the process of things but like the final product. sigh! lol

[@krissy7342]

Brittany Gabaldon same!!!

[@owend9050]

same

[@starrix4712]

I have adhd so I feel the struggle

[@MrAchsas]

same

[@thatchickencat4562]

I’m autistic and I don’t like showers either. There’s something I just don’t like about being wet and I just hate the feeling of water coming on me that way. Then drying myself after also is tedious and annoying. But weird thing is I put it off for a bit then when I do take showers I stay in for a long time. I hate it at first but it gets better after a bit.

[@jaxbayne]

OMG. I've been looking for other autistic adults talking about having an aversion to showering/bathing/being wet. This is one of my biggest struggles on a daily basis. I want to somehow just force it into my daily routine, but I'm still struggling with following a routine because I've never had one before in my life. I'm working hard at developing & implementing one, but I just put off showering sooo much. Thanks for helping to describe a lot of the reasons I find showering so unpleasant. Everyone I know just thinks I'm crazy, so now I can share this video to them. Woot!

[@Moreofthatminecraft]

I know right? I didn’t know it was a thing. I thought it’s just me and I’m too embarrassed to speak about it.

[@jdo8560]

I'm so glad to learn aversion to the showering isn't a thing with just me or my offspring (we are both on the autism spectrum). I didn't mean to pass on [the resistance to getting clean] through my genes, now I feel guilt for that. I like FEELING clean but I *hate* GETTING clean... But showers are the only option for getting clean. Bath? not in this lifetime. and forget hot tubs for "recreation"

[@EveryGlassTones]

Thank you for making this video. ❤️ I strongly suspect I'm autistic but have not received a formal diagnosis yet. I'm a full grown adult, but showering is the absolute worst. It takes so much mental and physical effort for me to take one. I finally feel seen, and not crazy or disgusting.

[@rampantbuckler818]

My showers take 40 minutes, I keep spacing out- Sometimes I'll get scared. Which caused a 3 month period where I never showered

[@ChrysantheTan]

Ahh that does not sound fun. When I space out, it doesn't cause me to stay in there long; just causes me to mess up the steps.

[@rampantbuckler818]

@@deuteronomy3162 I've gotten over myself, dont remember what I had an issue with in the first place at this point. I just shower every few days now

[@Davidhjrick]

Gosh. I totally get this. I was hoping I wasn’t just dirty. This video is just me. Thank you for expressing this.

[@Neku628]

I feel ashamed that I got pulled to the side by my counselor because I didn't take a shower for the past few days. I am 26 years old, I should KNOW better!

[@ChrysantheTan]

I feeeel you and am always telling myself "I should KNOW better".. but somehow, that doesn't seem to help me. I'm sorry you were pulled aside and felt ashamed. There are many of us in your boat

[@lumijasminasmr3583]

Hellbound Iscariot I appreciate the fact that you at least accepted the feedback, that’s a good start! On my worst days, I only wash my arm pits etc. over the sink with handsoap, and of course put on some fresh smelling deodorant and every single day a clean, unused shirt. That totally makes me smell sooo much better even on those really bad days! So try having these types of compromises with yourself? ☔️ Also you’re not a bad person just because you struggle. 💜

[@FransceneJK98]

Wait what?? Few days shouldn’t make a difference to the point of someone pulling you aside. Unless you work in a very hot environment outside and sweat a lot, I don’t see any changes happening in a few days of not showering.

[@crazygalemt]

honestly it’s the opposite for me because it helps me relax and it’s just something that helps me cool down after a stressful situation

[@dallymoo7816]

Me too but my shower is too cold and tiny and no lights work and not enough hot water and it's so dark, so it adds to the phobia ..it started when I moved here and now is a full phobia

[@christiantaylor1495]

@@dallymoo7816 I dislike showers but still have cold showers for the benefits anyway. The notion that you can't do it is just an illusion. Just keep moving the body.

[@toskasnail]

I don’t know if I’m spectrum or ocd because I haven’t gotten testing done yet but my therapist and I suspect one or the other but basically I hate showers so much that I’ll wait until i absolutely have to shower meaning I also won’t leave my house because I don’t want people to hate me for being smelly. But like the water touching me and the temperature issues and the steps and how much time it takes but also the fact I’m not in control of my house and life if I’m trapped in a bathroom showering which is super vulnerable.

[@ChrysantheTan]

Yupppp. I feel this. I shower nowadays, but as a kid, I really just...didn't. I hated shower days. Definitely reminiscent of that France video I told in the vid.

[@kissarococo2459]

@@ChrysantheTan as I age and my back and knee are not as great as before, that just adds another layer of "Can I take a dry shower AGAIN instead of bathing?"

[@kierabirch6202]

I enjoy and take baths, but showers terrify me. I really have no idea why. I get all panicky and anxious, and it makes me feel all claustrophobic.

[@dallymoo7816]

Both r hard.. baths much harder

[@dallymoo7816]

❤

[@christiantaylor1495]

It's like being in an air vent

[@worthlessace1614]

I always felt stupid that I hated showering and loved baths, thank god I'm not the only one alone in the spectrum. :')

[@ChrysantheTan]

oh no. it's a "thing." a definite thing!

[@worthlessace1614]

Chrysanthe Tan Thanks for being helpful.

[@ChrysantheTan]

[@justarandomfan2421]

same

[@joyceadegboyega8524]

Your not alone I can relate .

[@bellareylancorrea4009]

I really really hate showers but I like to look normal 😊

[@ChrysantheTan]

i feel that

[@thatperson6428]

I just found out my little sister has high functioning autism,I knew there was something up because she has always hated showering,she won't let her face get wet,and she is also scared of going swimming,thank you for sharing this now I'm a little more educated lol 💯

[@ChrysantheTan]

i'm glad it helped! showering/getting wet is TOTALLY a thing ;)

[@luxiolooma]

OMG! I have ALWAYS hated getting my face wet, and I cannot swim. I also can't stick my ears in the water because the sounds just drive me crazy!

[@asrielandciara2670]

I’m 15 and I h a t e showering. I don’t want to smell bad or anything and it gets to the point where I haven’t showered for about a week and I hate the way I smell but I can’t bring myself to get in the shower. It gets to the point where I avoid going out because I know I’ll have to take a shower. H e l p .

[@jaymase3735]

I hate showers!!! The worst. I end up all discombobulated and pissed off. It's like the most disruptive part of the day. Shaving also sucks..

[@brogangles1726]

I never knew why I hate showers so much. Now I do! I get the whole washing hands thing. I wash before, once I get in, after, and then once my clothes are back on. I hate my face being wet. I used to love baths more, but I don't like the pressure of the water. So I hate showers, but they're all I can take.

[@jayboirockshc8244]

I didn't even like touching shower curtains.

[@ChrysantheTan]

it's one of the grossest things for me. thinking about shower curtains freaks me out.

[@brittd.7095]

Finally, someone who gets it!

[@soulsticebeauty7860]

Yes... I’ve been taking baths my whole life. This video is giving me another reason to ask my doctor to get tested. Thank you. ❤️

[@ellyhaerim]

im glad im not alone. i hate the whole process of getting undressed and into the shower and getting all wet (which I hate the most) and washing my hair takes so much work i just can’t be bothered. i like the feeling of being clean afterwards i just hate the idea of showering and how much time it takes me.

[@TheWannabeOutdoorsman]

You're not alone. I'm autistic (Asperger's Type A DSM IV) I've not showered in several years. I use rubbing alcohol and a washcloth. Kills the bacteria and oder plus removes dirt. Use lotion sparingly on areas of overly dry skin. I'm bald so no need to wash hair. Showering and taking baths sucks and is horrible.

[@Tinalu83]

On my depression days, I have a hard time getting motivated to shower. And on those days, I struggle to wash because I have like zero energy or strength at all. At any given time: -My towel always has to be clean and completely dry or else I won't use it. If someone touches my towel, I won't use it. -I get totally skeeved out if I touch a shower door, wall, or curtain with any part of my body. -The water pressure has to be on point or I won't enjoy the shower and I'll cut it really short. -I need some sort of music playing so I can gauge my shower time. I usually take 3 1/2 songs to finish. More if I shave but that's REALLY rare. - I use different products for my face, privacy & armpits, hair, and the rest of my body. I also use a loofah, washcloth, and a two minute hourglass. -Most of the time I enjoy showers. I dance and sing in the shower and I see it as a time to meditate as well. -I sometimes shower to shed negative energy. - Sometimes I have imaginary conversations or arguments in the shower. Sometimes I daydream and completely forget about the music for a while. - I shower daily for the most part. I wash my hair 3 to 4 times a week. I shave close to never.

[@ChrysantheTan]

Hi friend, just acknowledging your comment 5 months late, because I know we've already talked about it on Discord :) Your shower routine is inspiring and shows how different people can be! Makes sense that depression would make it. harder to garner activation energy.

[@christiantaylor1495]

Start by working out before showering

[@eternal-z2h]

ever since i was diagnosed with adhd and autism, i feel like everyday i find out that some weird aspects of me are actually symptoms

[@GrapheneOxideIsInCVVax]

What are your symptoms

[@GrapheneOxideIsInCVVax]

And you're weird quote un quote aspects

[@Plethorality]

Going into hyperfocus to clean the bathroom, then using a clean shower, really helps. Or pay someone else to deep clean it for you.

[@SybilNix]

This is exactly what I am doing right now, lol. My bathroom is dusty and my shower isn’t freshly clean, but I really need to shower despite all of the already-existing issues I have with showering. So I’m making myself tidy, organize, sweep, and scrub my bathroom so I can 1. Have a clean area to shower and 2. Feel gross enough to get in the shower

[@13meli55a]

The first time I ever enjoyed a shower was when I had cramps and I had super hot water pointed directly at my stomach. I liked the water pressure and the heat. Sitting on the floor of the shower with it pointed at my back is good too. But then I realized I could have hot water in the bath and I like that better, other than the sitting in my own filth factor. (Edit: you wanted us to say if we're autistic too. I don't know! I definitely have SPD though.) Showers have also been difficult because standing is painful and I nearly pass out, so I sit now, but that makes the water hit me wrong. I just feel lucky my dorm has individual showers for every room.

[@ChrysantheTan]

There are lots of overlap with SPD, so it makes sense that you'd have particular sensory needs! That's nice about your dorm (though I realize this is a comment from a while ago :)

[@insertname1857]

I hate showering. not really sensory I don't think? aside from soap in my eyes and being cold where the water isn't. but it takes WAY too long and gets in my way and I have super thick hair so it takes forever and I just want it done. I don't want to take time doing something boring when I could do something I like doing with brain stimulation. I like the end result of everything but don't want to waste the time doing it.

[@LuciferEgyptianOsiris]

I've been dealing with this too and it's because I have to be in the right energy to shower

[@Jessie_Helms]

The _only_ video that’s actually relevant under the search term for “why do some people dislike showers?” I’m trying to see if there’s a reason why many people hate getting in the shower but also don’t want to leave once they’re in the shower.

[@beckyg00n]

I haven't been diagnosed, but this has been an enormous issue my entire life. I have varied difficulties that other autistic people have in different aspects of life, but this particular thing has only gotten harder with age. It makes it hard to function properly. It has gotten to a point where i have dish soap in the shower to wash my hands, and the containers/bottles before use. I use paper towels to dry myself because I can't stand it if the towels have cat hair or lint. It makes me want to retake the shower. I never feel clean enough. Anyways, that's why I'm here. I'm looking for videos that might help to produce a very quick/efficient way to take showers. The less steps, the better. I want my showers to only take 3 minutes. That is goals. Thanks for sharing. Every single thing you said was exactly my same feelings.

[@gonebabygone4116]

I'm on the spectrum but nearly so touchy about showers. Sound, light, and motion are bigger problems for me.

[@ChrysantheTan]

i'm better at showers when i'm at home now, since i have my routine and familiar space for them, but sound/light/motion are also big issues. away from home, showers are a big deal again though.

[@mortekaiflood9556]

i do not have autism, ive never been tested and i dont feel comfortable self diagnosing but i display a lot of symptoms and have a lot of autistic tendencies (e.g. fear foods, stimming, unconfy with eye contact and other social situations). since i was little i would always have baths, but when i became a preteen i had to take showers instead. i struggled with this a lot and went almost weeks without washing at a time. due to a recent diagnosis ive started to take baths again to ease my joint pain. i now wash several times a week and have a safe space for the first time i can remember. im so much happier now and idk the point of this but yeah..

[@MxPeztz]

I'm on the autism spectrum, but I actually like to take showers though. I can't stand it whenever a lot of water gets into my face, or whenever the water first hits my body. I refuse to take baths though. I hate the thought of bathing in my own filth. I also tend to space out whenever I'm in the shower, which results in me taking long showers (which I'm not a fan of). Although I hate getting wet since it makes my hands look and feel all wrinkly and it feels gross.... ;-;

[@ChrysantheTan]

I do like to take showers for the end result of being clean, but it's just *also* simultaneously not pleasant (things you mentioned... water in face, whatever hitting body, spacing out, raisin hands...)

[@eliotlycosa1550]

I am autistic but also hate showers. I prefer baths and used to love them but don’t really anymore. Self care is very hard for me I also have tourettes

[@brookelynrhodes1998]

As an Autistic person, I've always had a hatred for showers. I never understood why. The showerheads I was the most scared of were the handheld showers, rainfall showers, and overhead ones. I could only tolerate the "normal ones". I remember as a kid, not wanting to enter a new bathroom because I was afraid of what the shower looked liked and I would pee my pants because of it. I would only take baths until I was 10. I'm okay with showers but I still have this embarrassing fear of them years later. I'm okay with the shower after I get over the initial shock. Actually taking the shower isn't bad and I like to scald myself with hot water. It feels good in the winter. But the act of taking one is too much, and I shower every day to every couple of days. I don't enjoy it.

[@sage_lyn]

I can't use fixed showerheads because I will space out and sit on the shower floor for a long time. I use the moving one and i only wash my hair with it. Other than that, I prefer baths. I still space out sometimes in a bath.

[@music2012pink]

I struggle too, if I'm having a bath I need to clean it first. People don't understand so I have to pretend that I'm just running it. I also need to clean my feet before I go in, or there's no point.

[@etymological5908]

Aside from the germophobic traits (my attitude toward germs is "well, I don't actively lick light switches"), I relate with everything here. Showers are unpleasant, getting water on my face is awful, and drying off afterward is The Worst. I love the *idea* of baths - soaking and relaxing, privacy, using bath products I get to pick - but no matter what I end up feeling slimy and grimy afterward and still have to shower if I want to feel clean, and usually by that point I'm just done with the whole experience and want nothing more than to be dry.

[@ChrysantheTan]

"usually by that point I'm just done with the whole experience and want nothing more than to be dry." Ha yuppp.

[@nintendonightcore9110]

I am autistic and I dread going into the shower mainly bc I feel exhausted afterwards and I feel terrible but also bc when I turn on the shower Its really loud and Its like everyone in the house knows I am showering and sometimes I just cant stand the feeling of being wet

[@Songsthesecond]

Same!!! And I didn’t shower in 2 months if I take one I will spend 12 hours

[@bixzterthetrickster5586]

This is gonna be a long comment. Basically I always hated showers ever since I can remember. I I enjoyed baths. But I always had issues with washing myself and brushing my teeth. I never knew why. Now that I have chronic pain a psychologist out autism/aspergers as a thing that should be looked into for me, I never once in my life thought about it until that and I was even questioned wether I was schizo( not). It kind of felt like a truck hit me. Then I randomly took some tests which normally would come up on the brink of autism. But this one showed me to be very neurodivergent which shocked me. And the other showed autism. (my sister is autistic) her scores almost the same as mine, other people showed completely normal. So I think there is a big chance I am autistic and just have gotten so good at masking that I got my scored lower. I don't have a diagnosis yet but I am gonna get tested for it again bc I was on meds that could change the results so they didn't wanna do it. I'm waiting on that. But basically everything you said makes sense, I never realized until now that others had the same issue. I always felt so bad because I could not make myself shower/bathe for weeks, because it bothered me that much. Obviously other people judged me for it which made me hate myself even more but I just could not. I have many other sensory issues that I never knew until recently. When I am better mentally I do get itno the habit of washing but even then it is hard and brushing teeth is even worse. Lately I have gotten sensory overload from showering(once just hair) and it is so hard because I need it but I cannot do it either. Don't worry, you did not come off as "woe me" at all. This is a genuine struggle, obviously there is worse but there is better aswell. It does not negate your pain/struggles because others have it worse. TLDR; Not diagnosed but probably autistic, have the same issues.

[@MsSONJASMITH]

I am "researching" this at the moment. Our landlord is doing bath to shower conversions and with an Aspie and Autie the fears around this are incredible. (They're in their late teens). The new showers are open - two sides would need curtains. My sons have sensory and other issues which are difficult to explain. Well explained in this video. You are BEAUTIFUL! As a mother, I want to protect them and hopefully find alternatives for them. Currently we also do Ozone treatments in the tub, which one cannot do in a shower! If anyone has advice, I would certainly welcome this.

[@ChrysantheTan]

Thanks for the comment! I feel for your sons throughout this transition. Changes can be so hard. I personally can't stand baths!! Or touching wet/damp shower curtains - ewww. The thing is, all autistic people have different needs, so it's hard to give blanket advice (that isn't skewed toward MY preferences alone). Good luck!

[@Claudia-gf3gi]

I enjoyed your video specially how you described everything with so much detail, I work with children and young adults with autism on many skills but showering is one of them. This really helps me analyse things empathetically and from a very different perspective.

[@tinystep1633]

I shower at night because I can’t work out how to fit it in the morning. Even if I have nothing to do that day. Plus, I’m on solar hot water. Some nights it’s the only way I can actually get warm and stop shivering too. But I feel so much the same. I’m on the touch related part of the spectrum. That random stream of water, or if a few of the streams join together creating a thick stream/dribble in one place. Water going places you don’t want it sometime, but yeah, with the movable heads, how are you even meant to navigate that and it’s long hose when you’re already uncomfortable. Being wet, especially when your not physically in the water feels gross. Actually it’s pretty weird even when you’re in the water, so I usually only acquiesce to swimming in the middle of summer (since Australian summers/ are hot enough to spontaneously start fires). Then when you’re getting dry and you’re wet. Drying is annoying because you always same to miss one part or can’t get quite dry. I’d much rather air dry, but if you’re sharing a place, other need the bathroom and you can’t walk out until you’re dressed. I hate putting any clothes on before I’m fully dry, and I don’t want to touch any other part of cloth so if between my toes are still wet or my legs are still drying, I can’t stand to sit down or stand on carpet. It just feels awful. I do like to be clean and force myself to shower, but the whole ordeal is just why! Why can’t we just be clean or get out of the water dry.?

[@jewelweed6880]

Ymmv. I got a robe towel. Like it's towel, but with sleeves and a hood. It does most of the drying for me while I can get to doing something else. Mine is large enough to preserve modesty between bathroom and bedroom. The hood is so spacious my long hair sits in almost a pouch so I don't get dripped on. I can change when I'm ready and I barely have to towel off at all. If you don’t mind the air and the sound you can blow dry your body after a towel gets the drops, and before putting on clothes.

[@Akultic]

If my shower floor didn’t have a little slope on the floor, I would love it. I need a completely smooth SPARKLING SHINING shower floor or else I’m freaking tf out !!and if it wasn’t so small and cheap. But I am trying to survive cheap dorms at cheap school.. please help.

[@leafytheprogrammer]

I have mild autism, and its that I hate water on my face and head

[@ZootedSosa]

I’m just coming to this now I have adhd and autism and showers are probably the most difficult part of my life I hate the feeling of being gross and dirty but I hate all of the energy and thoughts before during and after showering not to mention I hate being wet and every time I’m out of a shower my skin feels like plasticy see an wrap tightening on my body it’s horrible and no matter how much I want to shower my body absolutely refuses

[@Zikomo7]

I also struggle with anemia. If my blood count is low and the water is too hot, I have to stop immediately or I'll faint

[@Cryptistic]

Well idk why but everytime I take a shower I always feel like I didn't shower properly. I'm not saying that I'm bad at showering but no matter what I do I feel like I didn't do it properly. Idk if anyone on the spectrum felt the same way I do. And same thing with my hair. (I always gets greasy hair everytime I wash my hair than anyone else unless I use men's shampoo/conditioner lol plus my arms get's tried if I do my hair anyways) And another thing is that I have a really bad memory that makes me forget to do hygiene A LOT.

[@christiantaylor1495]

Same I get in a loop of repeatedly washing. It takes me about 30 minutes but other people in the house shower I just 2 minutes which seems an impossible speed

[@Cryptistic]

@@christiantaylor1495 Right?! It makes you go like: "How in the hell can everyone takes a shower for 2 minutes while it takes me like an HOUR to get clean?!?!"

[@christiantaylor1495]

@@Cryptistic I feel like I've showered properly if I have a cold or cold ended shower, because it prevents sweating. I've only been doing it a few weeks, and it's good for other reasons too. In the summer it has taken me about an hour to finish a hot shower. Maybe sleeping well can help showing because it makes you think more clearly. I can't do any daily things just by habit. Apparently neurotypicals can even drive without focus because of autopilot. I have no autopilot, and every movement has to be calculated 🙄

[@CazOSX]

I don't like showers either and they can be stressful.

[@ChrysantheTan]

❤️

[@aprilk141]

I am still trying to get my AuDHD assessment. 40-something. Never had a problem in the shower before. Plenty of trouble regularly cleaning. This time I was 1 week since last cleaning. Naked, only one way in or out. Shaving off the little nasty hairs. Then there was this noise in the house I never heard before. Like the garage door motor but it didn't stop. It just kept going. I flipped out, full meltdown like I was a 13 YO again. Just standing naked and wet screaming, "please stop, please stop, please stop"

[@astro_aquarium]

Because when I take a bath or shower I feel like the watter is filthy even before I get in and my bathtube even when the drain is off it slowly drains so I feel cold and filther after I shower off and then when you get out evre thing sticks to your feet like hair parts of the carpet the dirty floors edit: 8:00 thats what I said kinda not exactly for me the fitlh seems to be in the watter before I go in.

[@ChrysantheTan]

Ha, you read my. mind. It's totally both. Filth all around! Glad you get it...

[@krissy7342]

Thank you for solving my 32 year old dilemma!! Seriously. It’s good to feel I’m not alone! I also can’t stand shower water near my face too!!

[@ChrysantheTan]

Not alone whatsoever!

[@ChrysantheTan]

Not alone whatsoever!

[@BjorkBrex]

I hate hate hate hate water in general!!! Showers, washing my face, even rain.. It splashes and it's terrible. It's like a nightmare.. When I was forced to go swim, I've always been walking on my toes since I was a little girl (I still do it when I'm forced to swim)

[@rosiecaddick8719]

I guess I have kinda conditioned myself into showering

[@ChrysantheTan]

Me too. Though the conditioning hasn't been to like showers; I just don't like doing it. Rather, the conditioning was coming up with a routine that wires the action of showering to something else I do consistently. I have to treat my brain like a kid with all kinds of games to get me to do things...

[@emilymermaid]

And sometimes you condition your hair too 😜

[@mela6885]

I totally get this. If the shower doesn’t seem “clean” enough, I don’t want to use it. I really prefer the minimalist ones that are kept up by staffs like the ones in gyms and hotels.

[@emmag5458]

I have high functioning autism and I always sit in the corner of the shower so it barely touches me

[@ChrysantheTan]

i get SO FREAKED OUT if any part of my body touches the shower wall. i relate.

[@blackcitroenlove]

I'm the total opposite. I love the feel of showers, especially high powered shower massages on the back and head. I tend to be more sensory seeking though, few aversions.

[@MrAdriancooke]

A few months ago I had to move from a house where there was a bath to an apartment where there is only a shower. I love taking baths but although I hate showering I have to do it now to keep clean so I force myself to shower twice a week but I am glad when it's over. After having a bath I feel very relaxed but after a shower only marginally so.

[@mchobbit2951]

I find fixed showerheads even WORSE. Your hair gets wet every time and I HATE getting my hair wet. I cannot stand blow dryers and refuse to have that noise and blowing hair on my body. I literally don't get professional haircuts because they force you to get a blow dry. But I hate showers in general. I only shower when it's really hot in summer and then as quickly as possible. Never ever in the morning unless I really did sweat a lot because I'm not a morning person and no "I get up at 4 a.m. and am so productive" person will make me one. Outside of summer, I bathe and never shower. Screw the whole "but you are sitting in your own dirt" thing the shower junkies like to throw around. I know for a fact that when I take a bath, I do not smell and if I had to only shower (or, as they suggest, SHOWER before or after a bath...yuck) I probably would stink to high heaven because I could only make myself do it so often. Even with baths I hate drying off because it seems to take forever. You put clothes on and find that there are still wet parts. And forget about putting on the cold goop called lotion, I can't. Shower curtains are THE WORST. My mother would always yell at me for not using one when I was little but it's just so gross to touch. I'd honestly rather do "real" chores than take a shower.

[@AndRewUK24]

I am autistic originally diagnosed as Asperger's syndrome. I hate showering and baths because I don't like the temperature changes in water. I only go swimming in warmer weather if I'm on holiday. If there's a heatwave I love having a long shower. Shower involves two things executive functioning skills and change in temperature. As someone with poor executive function skills due to being autistic and hates temperature. change.

[@eyelashnash]

You described it so well! I gotta try the counting bananas, thank you! Literally hate everything about it... Especially the air, I feel like I'm suffocating, and the shower curtain migrating and touching my arm or leg from the pressure differential. Too many things to remember. But I do feel better when it's all over. Can't do it daily... I get away with sponge bathing between showers, also not pleasant, but more tolerable than showers, for me.

[@amandacavanaugh8785]

I can relate to that one stream of water going in a different direction oh i hate that so much. What I hate more is having to dry off after my shower being sticky and wet makes everything worse! So sitting in front of my fan after my shower and sprawled out on the bed waiting for my skin to not feel sticky sucks! Lol

[@jessie330]

I don't think I have autism I 32 F Australia have been diagnosed with BPD, depression and ADHD. I hate showers unless it's after a workout as well, it's the taking my clothes off being cold, the towel fluff sticking to me, the getting out of the shower (although I dry myself inside the shower as I hate having water everywhere when I do it outside the shower) and the cold feeling after. But I like feeling clean

[@FransceneJK98]

I love the beach and getting wet in the ocean but I hate pools/showers and baths. Does that make sense? It takes so much energy to get into a shower and the water hitting me it feels horrible. Then the ordeal of putting shampoo and conditioner and then body wash, I don’t feel like going through all that. Then drying myself and it’s a long routine. Takes too much energy and I don’t like being wet except when I’m in the ocean

[@skittles0001]

I used to Love showers & baths but now they're both incredibly painful. I usually wait until I have to bathe because the water hitting my skin feels like millions of needles. I have OCD so not being clean is agony.

[@satunbreeze]

Maybe you could switch out your shower head to one that changes what kind of stream it has so its gentler on you. Some shower heads even come with a little piece in them that reduces the pressure

[@ChrysantheTan]

i'm sorry to hear this and hope you've found a way to mitigate the pain (my reply is super late, oops!)

[@SleepySloth2705]

I'm autistic but love showers, however I turn it on at least five minutes before going in

[@WhoisRoach]

I hate showering it's so disruptive everytime I'm busy

[@Lucailey]

Yea I hate taking showers too now that I am an adult. As a kid, teen even into early adulthood I loved taking baths. I would go in with a book and come out all pruney hours later. But now as an adult I hate showering. I feel that it takes up time, I don't want to deal with my very obese body either. I go in lather up my body and my hair and I will use the same shampoo- right now it's men's flannel shampoo/bodywash combo. I will admit it does smell nice

[@hildamarmolejo1568]

I’m autistic and older. It takes a lot to bring myself to shower but I don’t know why. I don’t hate it but takes a lot.

[@Songsthesecond]

I’m autistic and I swear taking a shower is so hard same with organizing room and reading books!! I didn’t shower in 2 months now! And if I take one I know I will spend 12 hours just to finish 😭😭😭😭

[@lumijasminasmr3583]

For me it totally depends of the day! Some days I’m excited having a showr (when I am mentally in an incredibly healthy place) and some other days I feel disgusted of taking a shower, while also feeling disgusted of myself for not taking it (when my mental health is not great). 🦋 Teeth brushing was a fucking nightmare, before I finally got the courage to try an electric brush (I used to be so scared of them, because to me they sound like a drill!), and now it is waaaay less difficult to get done! Now I am learning to almost like washing my teeths (on a good day). ☔️ My autism is quite mild, so in good days I mostly have the positive sides of it, so I defenitely do like my brain so much, but on bad days I am so fucking greatful for finally knowing that I’m an aspie and there fore not being completely alone with, because now I can find fun aspie pals for good days and caring aspie people for bad theys. Obviously best, when those are combined. 😌♥️ I have been feeling slightly depressed for a few days (nothing major, I just have chronique illnesses), and I’ve so fucking angry at myself for not showering for 3-4 days. Me and me bed smell disgusting. I do intimate care though! Because of my illness, I sweat a lot and it stinks real horrible. I do put clean clothes on every day, brush my hair and usually perfume, if I go to the store, so that I don’t stink that bad (thank god stores are so wide and cool in temperature, that sooths my mind a little). 🌸 I know, it could be way worse (and has been), but I am a perfectionist, wich is partially why I rarely got taken seriously by professionals, when I was severely depressed for years) and I do not want to slip back into that unhealthy place I used to be in. But I am doing much better now (not thanks to public health care though). 😬 Reeaally needed a video like this today!! Now I am going to take a bath, because I’m lucky enoug to have a tub (I live in the countryside) and shower just feels too overwhelming. So happy to have found your channel! 🥰

[@dorothyterrell]

I glad I'm not alone. I use to take 2 showers a day but now on the weekends I only take one in that is in the evening. I really hate showering.

[@AlmaRose]

Yo btw that one squirt of water, could be hard water mineral build up. Just unscrew the head from the wall and soak it in a bucket with vinegar! Should be fixed. If not. Repeat and maybe use a lil brush if it's very stuck.

[@christiantaylor1495]

(I'm autistic) 6:53 that's why I work out before showering too: it makes it so easy to get a shower out of disgust of feeling filthy 😅 We use our high disgust sensitivity to trigger a jolt of willpower. Plus it raises the body temperature to prepare for a cold shower. Yes a cold one 🤪 but I wash my hair completely separately after the shower.

[@stephaniemccord8677]

Shower routine 3:54 yes! Im glad im not alone. I have to sweep the floor before undressing. Sometimes I clean the walls and tub before I get in. So it takes a LOT for me to get a shower.

[@Zanniroxwell]

I have time lapses and have uncomfortable memories from certain situations pertaining to showers I took in the Past. It's like going down memory lane on a time lapse trip. Here's other thing.. I like the water too hot also.. I actually get headaches sometimes from sitting in shower or bath too long, with steaming hot water. I don't understand any of it! I used to take 2 hour showers daily & washed hair & loved it.. not sure what triggers my anxiety over it now, aside from the feeling of getting trapped in there. The claustrophobic feeling of being buried in my Past? Can't wash it off even soaking in the hottest water. Some kind of weird PTSD I guess

[@SparkyStarLPS]

I definitely showered more when I was working out regularly. I have aspergers syndrome, I've always struggled with this since I was a kid now 20. I normally shower once a week. I wish I could shower daily. I'll try my best 😆😭 You nailed it in this video!

[@SRoseBlog]

Fingers crossed, my son loves showering. Hopefully it doesn't change

[@arainbowtaco]

i hate showering because LOUD NOISES too loud and i hate the feeling of running my own hands through my hair i take too long like up to an hour because i keep spacing out and i also have the most specific shower routine ever and if i dont follow it i dont feel clean BUT not being clean makes me really depressed UAFHEJFoiDAWODD sorry i needed to let my thoughts out somewheergehds lmao

[@jameschristensen1658]

This whole videos a mood. I took a shower yesterday and I guess my face was really oily but my nose. Itched. The whole time. And I’m the same with the germs. I have to wash my hands after and I just kinda smack around the handle so I touch it as little as possible. I feel you. Oh yeah and I’m autistic forgot to mention that

[@ChrysantheTan]

"smack around the handle" YES. that's it. i know exactly what you mean.

[@washx2k755]

I don’t like showering cuz it makes my skin dry I don’t know if I am autistic

[@bessburkhardt2093]

Shower…”I’d rather put a campfire out with my face” Debra, Dexter

[@cherrysnow4923]

i hate showering because my energy feels cloggy and like a frowny face, and i have a feeling like my fog energy should clear before i shower, (it might be because i was abused as a child)

[@innerguardianXIII]

I am Autistic and I have Depression (makes it twice as hard). Showers are basically a waste of time. You go in there to clean yourself only to get dirty again by time, air and your environment 5 minutes after.....then you seemingly HAVE to do it all again very soon. It's even harder to go and shower when there's only one toilet, which is in the same room as the shower and you live with someone. I always feel like an inconvenience when showering due to that one toilet, not to mention, due to wanting to be very clean (means you can extend your time longer lol) I'm probably also wracking up the water bill. It's supposed to relax or calm you down but I hate it (and the sweaty, clammy feeling after) so much, I actually get more depressed or even angry. Why the human race had to try to fight one of the most natural and recurring things in the world is beyond me. If we didn't fight dirt way back when, we'd be immune to ALL of it. So by showering, you're keeping yourself in a more feeble stage of development. Not to mention, even Showers aren't 100% clean. You could be shooting mildew or something right onto yourself.

[@ChrysantheTan]

I understand your feelings about this.

[@tsveno72]

My 12 year old son has Aspergers and is terrified of showers. He doesn’t like water poured on his face. I get frustrated with him and hate when I do.

[@Moreofthatminecraft]

I feel less alone now. I have ASD and will wash in any other way than shower and bath. I also want to be clean. I jokingly call myself a cat… dislike water. It’s an internal struggle.

[@jebidiahkerman4600]

I won't get in but when I get in I cant get out 😆

[@wisew8878]

Yes. Yes. Same ...from a child til now... Totally can relate. With the sink, water and debris mixing in around the back and on sides...Showers? Forget it, I have to wash my hands and wash rag before getting in, if my body touches the wall or curtain, forget it...total itch fest.... Don't use towels, can't stand to think of the dust and debris on my skin... don't appreciate the bare floor either. Everything just feels very uncomfortable.

[@ChrysantheTan]

"don't appreciate the bare floor either"

[@alwaysyouramanda]

My mom was really negligent so I could even be on the spectrum- but I feel like that alone was enough to cause my problems

[@alwaysyouramanda]

I don’t like being touched either. I take notice and feel really alarmed at “first contacts” especially. I would prefer to never touch a person if possible. If they touch me I lose it (internally.)

[@alwaysyouramanda]

I feel like the people-touching-me thing is because my mom was only affectionate as a display for others. Like it didn’t happen alone at home- my ex boyfriend of almost 6 years out of high school too- it was always performative and now I hate it.

[@Zikomo7]

I really dislike wet confined spaces. I'll go swimming but something about indoor bodies of water is just disgusting to me

[@ChrysantheTan]

Agree. Wet confined spaces make me shudder.

[@heatherrochellelux6935]

I hate it because I can’t see or hear when I’m in there washing my hair, I get shaky and feel like my legs are giving out. I have vertigo and lose balance from the noise and water stream movement. I feel vulnerable and swear I hear people in my apartment/front door shutting etc., I turn off the water and hear nothing:) I worry I will slip and hit my head and be found naked and sprawled out dead. It is so stressful, I hate it.

[@gavinpowers1217]

I work with autistic young adults who sometimes need personal care support and yesterday I had a self doubt episode when a guy who soiled would not co-operate with me. It was a water-poo splash fest with added poo. I called my senior and she handled and sorted the situation. I felt I let her down but I did my best.

[@michaeltoobased]

Weird, I’m on the spectrum and have severe ADHD but I love showers.

[@SonyaKhanOfficial]

Same

[@sherrypolleyauthentic172]

Showers are the WORST. I just showered a couple hours ago but it took 2 days of not functioning to get myself to do it. I shower once per week which I hate to be so gross but I cannot cope with showers. It is sooooo frustrating. I am a pda autistic.

[@priscillatearose6422]

Having company to chat with helps. I hate being wet, once I'm in a pool I have fun. Texture is a major factor to Aspies. I shower before a bath, personally i want a shower or bath in a greenhouse. Also fast shower unless I'm lucky and it feels good or managed to get a great smelling body wash. I got over my germ phobia kind of.... had to read how germs help your immune system stay strong. 😑 adhd, bipolar, boarder personality disorder, ptsd, anexiaty, ocd, dyslexia and non verbal learning disorder. Traits that point to Aspergers but due to my age and being female, not diagnosed with it. I do get along well with others with aspergers.

[@ChrysantheTan]

Texture is huge. Fast showers are the best, as a rule. But then like you said, if it feels good for some reasons or there's a really nice sensory thing happening, then I'll stay longer. It sucks that age and gender are such a barrier to diagnosis, but self dx is also valid!

[@otiscrain]

I really despise showering! It is the worst!

[@Blueblur599]

I'm autistic and I love showers the feeling of being clean

[@satiricwriter]

I hate: Greasy hair. After i wash theres still a patch of roots greasy and sticky and uuuughhhh Wet after im out. Its annoying. Its cold. It takes for-fucking-ever to dry off with towels Scrubbing hurts my hands/fingers a lot

[@ChrysantheTan]

the coldness after stepping out of the shower is awful.

[@mariejacob6178]

I hate when the shower curtain touches me!

[@ChrysantheTan]

it feels so violating

[@jennyo9120]

dana arguinzoni me too! 😨

[@Jackie-rc6cj]

Thankyou so much for all the information in this video. I am having serious issues with my child now I can see it from their perspective.