The term “Ome-nma” (pronounced O-may-ma) means Make me Feel Good. Performing everyday tasks can be especially challenging for children and adults with sensory sensitivities. Going to the hair salon, getting dressed, and using deodorants are just a short list of activities that may be particularly daunting for the neuro-diverse community and sensory-sensitive persons.

Some persons in the community we serve may react negatively to personal hygiene and grooming routines because they become overwhelmed by certain types of touch, smell, etc. Many parents report that one of the most distressing activities is going for a haircut. This is often accompanied by maladaptive behaviors. In most cases, parents either cut their children’s hair themselves or rely on word of mouth or on web communities to find salon recommendations that cater to persons with autism and other sensory processing issues.

The program is designed to make the neuro-diverse community look good and feel great by supporting the learning of proper social skills, including proper grooming, dressing, and hygiene. The program will work toward making resources available for young adults and adults to practice these skills at home, out in the community, and in the workplace environment. In order to improve social and vocational outcomes, as well as build self-esteem, providing resources for personal hygiene and grooming is very vital. Personal care resources represent a foundational set of skills needed for persons with ASD to achieve independence and improve their quality of life.