Wet Hair, Slip-Ons, and Sanity: An Autism Story

When my daughter was younger, I fought the wet hair and slip-ons battle. I dreaded my mother-in-law's comments about catching colds and my mom's disapproval of Crocs with a pink dress in family photos. I tried to “fix” it, pushing for blow-dried hair and shoes with laces. But now, I’ve let it go.

She hates blow dryers. She won’t tie shoelaces. She doesn’t care how it looks, and honestly, I don’t anymore either. What once felt like a fight for appearances was really just adding unnecessary stress to both our lives.

These aren’t preferences; they’re sensory issues. Wet hair doesn’t bother her, but the noise of the dryer does. Slip-ons keep her comfortable, while laces overwhelm her. Once I recognized this, I realized I wasn’t giving up—I was growing up.

Now, I choose sanity over societal expectations. Family pictures may not be perfect, but the smiles are real. And I know what’s truly important: supporting my daughter’s needs and preserving our peace.

So, if you see us out with her damp hair and comfy Crocs, know it’s not laziness or negligence. It’s love, acceptance, and understanding. And honestly, it feels pretty great.