09 Aug Helping Your Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder Manage Clothing Challenges

When your child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) resists certain clothing, it’s important to understand that there could be underlying reasons for this behaviour. One common challenge for children with ASD is sensory processing difficulties.

Clothing can trigger sensory responses due to factors like texture, tags, colour, or fabric weight. Some children may also have sensitivities to specific features of clothing, such as seams or neckline.

Another reason for restrictive clothing behaviour is the child’s attachment to certain clothing attributes, such as design, colour, or texture. Understanding the triggers for your child’s emotional reactions to clothing changes is crucial.

Here are our top tips to help your child overcome clothing challenges:

• Provide a variety of clothing options that cater to your child’s preferences. If they’re attached to a specific design, offer similar shirts in different colours or shades.
• Present your child with alternative clothing options similar to their preferred shirt or trousers. Encourage the child to try different clothing and avoid wearing the same shirt repeatedly.
• Refrain from allowing your child to wear the preferred shirt during meltdowns or tantrums. Set clear expectations and boundaries to discourage negative behaviour.
• Introduce new clothing gradually and in a controlled manner. Start with short periods of wearing the new clothing and gradually increase the duration as your child becomes more comfortable.
• Use the preferred shirt as a reward for wearing other clothing items. Implement a reward system where your child must wear a designated item before getting access to the preferred shirt.
• Incorporate visual schedules or social stories to help your child understand and anticipate clothing change routines. Visual aids can reduce anxiety and provide predictability.
• If your child has specific interests, use them as incentives for trying different clothing items. This can motivate them to explore new options.
• Offer sensory activities before dressing and undressing your child to help regulate their sensory system. Consult with a therapist for guidance on sensory techniques.
• Maintain a calm and organised environment during clothing changes, minimising noise and distractions. A calm atmosphere can help prevent negative behaviours.