Taking a Shower Social Story

Graphic of a man taking a shower, he has no shirt on.

Taking a shower helps keep my body clean and healthy. It can also help me feel calm and refreshed.

Graphic of a bathroom with the door closed.

First, I go into the bathroom and close the door if I want privacy. I take off my clothes and put them in a safe place.

Graphic of soap and several bottles of shampoo and conditioner, there is also a towel.

I gather the things I need which may include soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, washcloth, towel, and razor. Having my supplies ready helps my shower go smoothly.

Graphic of a shower head with water coming out of it, a hand is testing the temperature of the water.

Next, I turn on the shower water. I wait for the water to warm up before I use my hand to check the temperature.

Graphic of two thermometers, one is blue with an arrow pointing down and the other is red with an arrow pointing up.

If the water feels too hot, I turn it down. If it feels too cold, I turn it up a little.

Graphic of a man standing in a shower there is a glass door that is open.

When the water feels comfortable, I step into the shower. I let the water get my body wet.

Graphic of a boy standing in a shower, he is soaping up his hair.

I put soap or body wash on my washcloth or hands. I gently wash my arms, underarms, chest, stomach, legs, feet, and private parts, then rinse the soap off with water.

Graphic of a man washing his face with soap and water.

I can wash my face carefully. I put a small amount of soap or face wash on my hands.

Graphic of a man splashing his face with water.

I gently clean my face. I try to keep soap out of my eyes. Then I rinse my face with water.

Graphic of a person rinsing soap out of his hair under the shower.

I put shampoo in my hand and use my fingers to gently scrub my hair and scalp. Then I rinse all the shampoo out with water.

Graphic of a bottle of conditioner and a clock.

If I use conditioner, I put it in my hair and wait a short time. Then I rinse it out well.

Graphic of a man shaving his face, he has foam on his face.

If I shave, I do it slowly and carefully. I may use shaving cream to protect my skin.

Graphic of a shower head with water flowing out of it, there is a razor being washed in the water.

I move the razor gently across my skin. I rinse the razor often. When I am done, I rinse my skin.

Graphic of a boy turning off a shower.

When I am done washing, I turn off the water.

Graphic of a pair of feet walking out of the shower.

I step out of the shower carefully, so I do not slip.

Graphic of a boy drying his back with a green towel.

I take my towel and dry my face, hair, arms, legs, feet, chest, stomach, and private parts.

Graphic of a boy getting dressed after his shower. There is a towel hanging on the wall.

I put on clean clothes. I hang up my towel if needed.

Graphic of a clean looking man with his thumbs up, he is smiling.

Taking a shower is an important skill. I can feel proud of myself for taking care of my body.

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This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.