Some routine activities for parents can become incredibly challenging, take measuring an autistic child’s feet for example.

Such a task for parents of neuro-typical children is usually passed without incident. Typically a child will just put their foot in the contraption at the store and within seconds their shoe size is known.

But oh no, this is not often the case with autistic children. Simply measuring their feet can be an incredibly difficult activity.

Below we explore why this may be the case and what parents can do.

Why may measuring an autistic child’s feet be a challenge?

Each child will have their own reasons but here are some likely culprits;

Touch sensitivity

Autistic kids often experience heightened sensitivity to touch. The sensation of hands touching their feet, especially strangers hands may feel uncomfortable.

This will wind up causing distress or anxiety to spike.

Pressure sensitivity

Not all touches are alike. At times during the process, the child’s feet will be touched gently, at others more firmly.

The pressure variances applied during the measurement process may be perceived differently by an autistic child.

Some may find it too intense or uncomfortable, leading to a negative reaction.

The feeling of tools

The texture and feel of measuring tools, such as rulers or measuring devices, can trigger sensory aversions for an autistic child.

The child may be sensitive to certain textures, making the touch of these tools unpleasant for them.

This could be the feeling of cold metal or warmer plastics.

Also the feeling of something sliding and ‘trapping’ their foot as part of the process may be alarming to them.

Unpredicability

The unpredictability of the measuring process can be distressing, after all most autistic children find comfort in what they know.

Not knowing when the touch or pressure will occur may for example contribute to anxiety.

Or just the process as a whole is likely a break to your routines. One minute the child is walking through a store, the next someone is measuring their feet.

This shock of a strange process can be very anxiety inducing.

What can parents do to make the process easier?

Through experience and trawling the web, here are some tips to get you through this process.

Prepare in advance

Probably the number one tip we can give is to prepare in advance.

Communicate the upcoming activity before the event, letting the child know what to expect.

Use social stories, YouTube videos or visual schedules to illustrate the steps involved in measuring their feet.

Consider also trying to break down the measurement process into smaller, manageable sections.

Use sensory friendly tools

Depending on the child’s personal preference, consider using sensory friendly tools.

This could include soft fabric rulers or tools with varying textures that may be more tolerable for the child.

Even an old fashioned tape measure may be more preferable for them.

Another option would be to use child focused measuring equipment.

Demonstrate yourself

Sometimes it can help autistic children if they see a parent going through the process themselves.

Consider getting your feet measured first to show that the process is nothing to be worried about.

Provide comfort items

Allow the child to have comfort items, such as a favorite toy or blanket, during the measurement to provide a sense of security.

You could also use a distraction such as food or a new toy to drag their attention away from their feet.

Use shoes as a measuring stick

If your child will absolutely not get their feet measured then you can use shoes themselves as a guide.

Putting shoes on is probably a process that your child is familiar with, so use that familiarity.

Get a selection of shoes in different sizes, preferably sandals, then use your finger or judgment to establish which size is best.

Summary – Measuring an autistic child’s feet

Autistic children can often have a complex relationship with feet, both their own and others.

Understanding and respecting your child’s sensory preferences is a key step in the process.

From there consider introducing gradual exposure, and using tools that accommodate sensitivities can help.

Over time with trial and error you will likely find your own way of achieving this feat.

Good luck.

Any tips or ideas?

We would love to hear from you if you have got any techniques or ideas for our readers to try.

Be sure to leave a comment if any of the above has helped or if you have any ideas we can add to this article.

Also be sure to search for any other articles you might find helpful.

Try for example searching below for topics like ‘meltdown’ or ‘communication’.