Autistic Child Can’t Blow Nose? Here’s How to Help

Blowing one’s nose is a simple task for many, but for an autistic child, it can be surprisingly challenging. This skill requires coordination, body awareness, and sensory tolerance—all of which can be difficult for children with autism.

If your autistic child can’t blow their nose, you’re not alone. Many parents face this struggle, but with patience and the right approach, your child can learn this important self-care skill.

In this guide, we’ll explore why blowing the nose is difficult for autistic children, how to teach the skill step by step, and practical strategies to make the process easier.

Why Is Blowing the Nose Difficult for Autistic Children?

Several factors can make nose-blowing a difficult skill for autistic children. Understanding these challenges can help you tailor your approach when teaching them.

1. Lack of Body Awareness (Proprioception)

Blowing the nose requires awareness of how air moves through the nasal passages. Some autistic children struggle with proprioception, making it difficult to understand how to control their breath effectively.

2. Sensory Sensitivities

Many autistic children have heightened sensory sensitivities. The feeling of a tissue against their nose, the sound of air being expelled, or the sensation of mucus moving can be overwhelming. This discomfort can cause them to resist nose-blowing altogether.

3. Difficulty with Motor Planning

Blowing the nose requires coordinated actions—taking a breath, closing the mouth, and forcefully exhaling through the nose. Some autistic children struggle with motor planning, making it hard to sequence these steps correctly.

4. Resistance to Change

Autistic children often prefer routines and familiar sensations. If they are used to sniffing rather than blowing, switching to a new method can feel uncomfortable or confusing.

5. Communication Barriers

If a child has limited verbal communication skills, they may struggle to understand instructions about nose-blowing. They might need visual or physical guidance to grasp the concept.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Autistic Child to Blow Their Nose

Teaching an autistic child to blow their nose requires patience and creativity. Follow these steps to make the learning process easier.

Step 1: Demonstrate the Concept

Children learn best by seeing and imitating. Demonstrate nose-blowing in front of your child:

• Take a deep breath.
• Close your mouth and gently exhale through your nose.
• Wipe with a tissue and dispose of it.
• Reinforce the idea with simple words like “blow out.”

If they struggle to understand, try showing a social story or a visual step-by-step guide.

Step 2: Teach Air Control Through Fun Activities

Before introducing tissues, help your child learn how to control their breath through fun exercises:

• Feather Blowing: Have them move a feather by exhaling through their nose.
• Candle Game: Let them practice short, controlled nasal exhales to flicker a candle flame. (Use caution and supervision.)
• Mirror Test: Have them breathe out through their nose onto a mirror and watch the fog appear.

These activities build awareness of how air moves through the nose.

Step 3: Use a Tissue Without Mucus

Start with dry practice before introducing actual mucus. Hold a tissue to their nose and encourage them to exhale through it. Offer positive reinforcement, such as praise or a small reward, for any effort.

Step 4: Pair with Sensory-Friendly Strategies

If your child has sensory sensitivities, try these adjustments:

• Use soft tissues or fragrance-free wipes to minimize discomfort.
• Let them choose their own tissues with fun designs or characters.
• Practice in a quiet, calm space to reduce sensory overload.

Step 5: Encourage Independence Gradually

Once your child gets the hang of blowing their nose, encourage them to:

• Use a tissue when needed.
• Wipe and dispose of tissues properly.
• Wash their hands afterward.

Make it a routine by practicing during colds, allergy season, or before bedtime.

Nose-Blowing Checklist

This checklist can help you track progress through each step of the nose-blowing process!

What to Do If Your Child Still Struggles?

Even with practice, some autistic children may find nose-blowing challenging. Here are some additional strategies:

1. Try a Saline Spray or Nasal Aspirator

If mucus buildup makes it difficult to breathe, saline spray can help loosen congestion. A nasal aspirator (like a bulb syringe) can clear mucus if your child cannot blow their nose yet.

2. Offer Rewards and Positive Reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement, such as a reward chart or verbal praise to encourage nose-blowing. For example, after successful practice, they could earn a sticker or extra playtime.

3. Practice During Calm Moments

Avoid forcing nose-blowing when your child is upset. Instead, introduce it during relaxed moments, such as after a bath or before bedtime.

4. Be Patient and Flexible

If your child resists, take a step back and try again later. Forcing the skill too soon can create negative associations.

When to Seek Professional Support

If your child continues to struggle despite repeated efforts, consider seeking help from:

• An occupational therapist for sensory and motor skill development.
• A speech therapist to support breath control and coordination.
• An ABA therapist to create individualized strategies based on your child’s unique needs.

Teaching self-care skills like nose-blowing takes time, but with the right support, your child can succeed.

Conclusion

Blowing the nose is a learned skill that can be challenging for autistic children due to sensory sensitivities, motor planning difficulties, and lack of body awareness. By breaking the process into small steps, using fun activities, and being patient, you can help your child master this essential self-care task.

If you need additional support, All Star ABA specializes in teaching life skills to autistic children. Our expert ABA therapists can create a personalized plan to help your child develop self-care and daily living skills. Contact us today to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources:

1. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences/sensory-differences/all-audiences
2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/speech-vs-communication-260566
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10725993/
4. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences/sensory-differences/all-audiences
5. http://www.autism-help.org/behavior-positive-reinforcement-autism.htm