It is common for an autistic child to have quirky behaviours but how can you get them to wear clothes if they hate it?
Why won’t an autistic child wear clothes?
Autism can provide a plethora of challenges for parents, a very common one is a child having sensory sensitivities.
These sensitivities can lead to difficulties with tolerating certain textures, fabrics, or sensations on the skin, causing some autistic children to resist wearing clothes.
This can be distressing for both the child and their parents, but there are strategies that can help address this challenge.
What to do if your child won’t wear clothes
Firstly, it’s important to understand the underlying reasons for the child’s resistance to wearing clothes.
For some autistic children, it may be due to sensory sensitivities, where certain fabrics or textures may feel uncomfortable or overwhelming to their skin.
For others, it may be related to the need for routine and predictability, as wearing clothes may disrupt their established routine or comfort zone.
Understanding the root cause of the behaviour can help parents develop effective strategies to address it.
With all that said here are some ideas to consider;
Gradual adjustment
Parents can gradually introduce different types of clothing textures and fabrics to their child in a controlled and supportive environment.
For example, starting with softer fabrics and gradually working up to rougher textures, and allowing the child to explore and get used to the sensations at their own pace.
Choice and influence
Giving the child a sense of control and autonomy can be helpful. Parents can involve the child in selecting their own clothes, within reasonable boundaries, so that they feel empowered and more willing to wear them.
This can also provide an opportunity to teach the child about appropriate clothing choices for different weather conditions or social situations.
You could utilise this technique both at the point of purchasing clothes and deciding what to wear for the day.
Sensory friendly clothing
There are many sensory-friendly clothing options available in the market, such as seamless clothing, tagless clothing, or clothing made from soft, comfortable fabrics.
Parents can explore these options and select clothing that minimises sensory discomfort for their child.
Sensory discomfort can also lead to children touching their privates inappropriately as well.
Use social stories and visual supports
Using social stories or visual supports can be beneficial in helping the child understand the importance of wearing clothes and the routine associated with it.
Parents can create simple visual schedules or social stories that explain why we wear clothes, when we wear them, and what to expect during dressing routines.
Utilise a reward strategy
Parents could offer simple and appropriate rewards for both getting dressed and keeping clothes on.
Providing sensory breaks before or after dressing can also help the child regulate their sensory sensitivities.
This can involve engaging in calming activities, such as deep pressure massage, playing with sensory toys, or engaging in deep breathing exercises, to help the child feel more relaxed and prepared for dressing.
Summary – How to get an autistic child to wear clothes
It’s essential for parents to be patient, empathetic, and understanding towards their child’s sensory sensitivities.
This takes nothing away from the acknowledgement of how difficult this can be for parents also.
Ultimately however pushing or forcing the child to wear clothes can lead to further resistance and distress.
Parents should be supportive, acknowledge the child’s difficulties, and work collaboratively with their child to find strategies that work best for them.
One of the key first steps is understanding why your child resists wearing clothes. Once you are armed with that information then make a plan and stick to it.
