Okay, if you read the title, you are all set. I’m just so excited that I had to get it out there. For the first time since my son was an infant, I cut his fingernails without him crying. I’m going to babble on about this a bit further, but you can stop reading now if you are pressed for time.

Philip, like many children with sensory issues related to autism or Sensory Processing Disorder, has refused to let me trim his finger and toe nails. I’ve tried using an emery board to file them, but I’ve usually lost the battle of squirming and withdrawing. That means that Philip has had long, sharp nails for most of his life. Eventually, they get worn from use or break, but not before he scratches himself or Mommy. I’m embarrassed to draw the comparison, but I began approaching the nail situation like I do with my dog. If I walk the dog enough, his nails stay short. I was hoping the same principle would work with Philip and outdoor activity.

It took a while for me to realize that Philip’s aversion wasn’t only a reaction to the physical touch of the trimmer to nails. Eventually, my husband and I both noticed that Philip would cringe and even cry when we trimmed our own nails. What seems like a small “snick” sound to me must sound like a loud “CRACK” to his sensitive ears. …continue reading