Parents of children with autism and sensory processing (integration) disorder (SPD) may find the daily clothing struggles to be unbearable. Kids with sensory sensitivities have major problems with certain types of traditional, stylish clothing. Jeans are scratchy, cold and stiff. Seams in socks and shirts are “bumpy” and uncomfortable. Tags, lace and beads are irritating. It can be a real chore for parents to find acceptable autistic kids' clothing in regular stores.
Children with autism will often prefer to wear their pajamas all day long. They love outfits that are soft, smooth and comfortable. Sensitive kids enjoy wrapping themselves up in a soft, cozy blanket or sleeping bag. Autistic children also tend to reject most shoes because many are stiff, hard and rub roughly on the back of the ankle or toes. Where can parents find stylish clothing and shoes for their children on the autism spectrum?
Soft Sweaters, T-Shirts, Pants and Seamless Socks for Kids With SPD
Small clothing manufacturers are learning that there is a definite market for stylish children’s clothing that is also soft and comfortable. Online clothing stores for sensitive children are starting to crop up everywhere and parents can take comfort in knowing that they can buy high quality clothing for their autistic child that is comfortable and will be “acceptable” (in style) to peers.
Parents can find clothing for their child with SPD that is already tagless; non-allergenic clothing that is seamless or with flat seams, with wider collars that don’t rub up against the neck, and soft elastic waste bands that do not require bumpy buttons, zippers or snaps, at Softclothing, a clothing company online started by Jessica E. Ralli, a special needs advocate and fashion lover with an MA in Special Education from Columbia University.
Clothing Tips for Parents of Autistic and Sensory Kids
In order to avoid the daily challenges of getting a child with sensory sensitivities dressed, parents may want to try the following 10 clothing tips:
- Remove tags from shirts and pants
- Avoid clothing with lace, large seams and tight collars or turtlenecks.
- Buy seamless socks.
- Have a child bring slippers to wear when going to visit relatives or even at school (if approved).
- Once a piece of clothing or pair of shoes are found, try to stick with it. Get various colors of the same style. When shoes become too small, try to get the next size up in the same type.
- Try having the child wear a favorite pair of pajamas underneath his clothing in colder weather.
- For the summer, one-piece swimsuits for girls or swim trunks without ties for boys are best.
- Wash clothing with fabric softener and unscented laundry detergent for sensitive skin.
- Use soft, cushiony socks when boots are required.
- Try to find clothing with logos/pictures that relate to the child's interests. For example, t-shirts with dogs for dog lovers, or video game logos for kids who love playing video games.
There are many challenges ahead for autistic children and their parents. Clothing does not have to be one of them. Try shopping for softer, more comfortable clothing and consider how uncomfortable seams, buttons, tags and scratchy material and texture will feel to a child with sensory integration issues. To learn more about the challenges of parenting autism, check out Life Skills Training for the Autistic Child.
Karen Plumley - Karen Plumley is a writer specializing in parenting and education. She works for Parenting NH and the Hippo, NH's most widely read ...
