Does this sound like a processing disorder?

[Harlow]

I'll make this as brief as I can. I have a 13 year old daughter who was dx with Asperger's in 2008 and now that we know how to properly address her needs, things for the most part have been much better.

HOWEVER....Every morning before school she likes to use our master bathroom so that she can use my straightening iron and every single day I tell her to make sure she unplugs it and makes sure that it is not laying on its side and make sure that it isn't near anything (Like hairspray can etc) She always gets POed because I remind her every single day. Today, (like many other days) not even 20 minutes after reminding her, I go in to check after she was done in there and the straightener was still plugged in, it was on its side AND she had placed it down near an aerosol can that was hot to the touch. 

There are some days when she unplugs it but leaves it on the side or days where she forgets to unplug it but it's right side up...but to do all 3 things she had just been warned about?? I can see forgetting occasionally but I'm starting to think this isn't just her being forgetful. I did tell her that if she can't be responsible then she can't use my things. I'm so afraid one day I won't double check and the house will burn down with our animals inside :(

Any thoughts?

[PikkuMyy]

If you tell her every day, and every day she can't do it, then she can't follow your directions as given.

If this is something that is very important to her, and it sounds like at that age, having your hair nice before school is, then I would teach her how to do it instead of remind her.

I think this is something you might have to do with any 13 yo in a hurry for school, not just one with an ASD.

You might write out a paragraph of instructions, read it to her, have her read it, and then spend at least a week practicing what to do when she is done with her hair.

I would pick ONE place for her to put the tool, and mark that area with something on the counter or give her a metal basket to put it in when she's done. Then make a small quick visual reminder of the steps on the mirror that she can read like:

1. Unplug
2. Right-side up
3. In it's spot

[SpottedFoxx]

Actually, she sounds like any other teenager :)  I agree with Pik.  Make it as simple as possible and, if she can't follow the rules, then it's time to create some consequences like not being allowed to use the iron at all.