The theme of the 2025 PDA Space Summit was equity. I took the opportunity to talk about hygiene as it’s a topic that so many families tell me that they need help finding compassionate support. I wanted to share this webinar here in case you weren't able to attend the summit, or if you'd like to revisit it in your own time. I hope it offers reassurance, practical ideas, and a different way of thinking about hygiene that starts with understanding, collaboration, and dignity.
Image from Canva by pixelshot
You may be interested in some of my other hygiene articles like ‘Play First, Hygiene Later: Getting Comfortable with Washing and ‘Inside and Out: Rethinking Hygiene, Autonomy and Expression’
Webinar Description:
Hygiene is often framed as a matter of compliance or social acceptability. But what happens when we approach it as a matter of equity? For many neurodivergent young people, expectations and approaches around hygiene can become flashpoints for shame, power struggles and losses of control. This session explores how hygiene intersects with bodily autonomy, sensory experience and identity-expression. We’ll look at compassionate strategies for families, educators and professionals to build equitable hygiene support. Hygiene supports that honour each young person’s dignity.
The webinar is available to paid subscribers. To access all downloadable resources and webinars, subscriptions are £5/moth or £50/year.