Tackling Sensory Issues With Clothing In Children With Special Needs

Children with special needs such as Autism, SPD, OCD and PDA can suffer from many sensory issues with their clothing, we share some of the ways to help tackle these issues.

There are a number of sensory issues that children with Autism, SPD, OCD, PDA commonly encounter with their clothing.  This can be a nightmare, especially for essentials like underwear, school wear and seasonal weather-wear.  Our previous article discusses what the challenges might be, and here we move onto ideas for how to tackle them.

What can you do to help tackle sensory issues with clothing?

A great tip is to understand your child is not challenging you by refusing their clothes, they are being challenged by an extreme level of discomfort.  If your child is able to talk, choose  times when there is no pressure to get dressed to discuss their clothing.  Your child may not be aware that they are experiencing something you are not, so ask lots of gentle questions around it.  If nonverbal you may need to just watch and take note of preferences.  Remember to talk about both the fit they like, as well as the feel.

Get lots of different fabrics to ask your child just to touch, not to wear.  Ask them which they like and note the fabric blend on the labels.  See if there are any common factors in what a definite no is, a maybe or a yes.  In our blogs we have some suggestions about ways to introduce clothing items that are essential and challenging like socks, undies, school uniform.

When new items are being introduced make sure all tags are removed, wash in usual laundry liquid a few times to soften up and make the smell familiar.

2. Look at underlying causes

For example, some kids have issues with certain foods that exacerbate issues around sensitivity.  An old fashioned A4 page a day desk diary makes an ideal journal, or notes on your phone.  Notes can include sleep, toileting, clothes accepted or refused, food and drink eaten, activities.  Meltdowns and interventions.  What happened and why?  Then when needed you can track back to look for clues.  As another bonus it creates evidence for PIP applications etc It’s a pain, but very worthwhile, even if only for a month.

3. Speak with your Doctor or Pediatrician

Not all GP’s know about sensory processing disorder so print off a checklist like ‘Do you know me?’ and the ‘SPD checklist’ and have it in hand.  Ask to be referred to a sensory integration trained OT for a sensory profile to be completed.

4. Chat to school to see if there is any flexibility at all on uniforms

Some schools would rather have the pupil in wearing a polo top than refusing school due to a starched shirt.  There will be expectation that you will be working towards the child wearing the full 

appropriate uniform, but if lucky it will be a team effort between you, your child and school team. At Sensory Smart we stock a wide range of adaptive school uniforms for children with special needs.

5. Give choices

Try laying out clothes the night before and giving limited choice.  This one or this one.  This lets your child choose but only between a few choices that are appropriate.  This gives a sense of control and autonomy. Have times when your child can wear whatever they choose.  Mark out days in the calendar for staying home and choosing any clothes (or no clothes!).

6. Read resources and books on the topic

There are several books on the market that may help.  Some to help parents increase their understanding, and some for the child to help them express themselves and know they aren’t alone 

If possible launder clothes in products designed for sensitive skins and fabrics. Wash on low temperatures and preferably air dry.  If you can’t avoid using tumble dryer use low settings and have fabric shavers to remove any bobbling that might occur. Products such as the Ecoegg and Debobbler can help here. 

7. Work towards layering clothes

This will  help give flexibility with seasonal changes.  Have visual support to show what clothing is suitable for certain weathers or social situations.  Talk about the weather forecast in advance to get children thinking about planning their clothing options.

If there are objections to buttons and zips, try discreet Velcro or elastic fixings.  Hopefully someone in your family is handy with a sewing machine, but if not, you may be able to find a local sensory charity that can provide help or a local tailor who is happy to adapt clothing for you at a reasonable rate.

The need to strip is something that doesn’t always go away with age, and as age increases it becomes more difficult to manage.  We always carry blankets with us to cover dignity when stripping occurs, but also to protect other people who might find nudity disturbing.  After all, it’s not something you see out and about every day!

Lean into it.  If your child loves a certain navy tee shirt with a certain brand, buy a few spares and the next few sizes up to ease challenges for the next few years.  In the overall scheme of things, it’s not the end of the world if they only want to wear navy clothes.  Leave tags in on the larger sizes until the last minute so they can be resold if no longer a favourite.

8. Be aware of how you feel in all this

Often sensory children are very alert to their parents’ emotions.  If you are carrying stress around getting your child out of the door it will increase levels of anxiety.  By watching patiently and growing your understanding you become the expert in your unique child and their needs, and their greatest advocate.

Most important of all it’s important never to force the issue.  With sensory processing issues forcing a child to wear an uncomfortable item will only ever make the issues bigger.  Go at their pace. If introducing a new clothing item, do so at a time there is no pressure to keep it on.  Explore it and then put it to the side for another day.