This article is mommy approved by\u00a0Miriam Slozberg, mother of two<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it can be quite challenging to find the right type of\u00a0clothing for children that are severely impacted by autism<\/a>\u00a0in addition to managing sensory issues that are related. Let’s go over the nine tips on how to choose the right clothing for kids with severe autism as well as how to manage sensory problems.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
The key is when you are looking for clothing for children with severe autism that have profound sensory issues, you want to get\u00a0clothing that is soft, light, breathable, and that has a soothing texture<\/a>. Materials such as fleece and cotton are good options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clothing with\u00a0seams and tags <\/a>are significant sensory triggers for children and adults on the autism spectrum, especially if they are on the severe end. This is why, for instance, it is essential to get socks that do not have seams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You are aware of how weighted blankets<\/a> are helpful to children that have autism, ADHD, and other sensory processing disorders. The same applies when it comes to compression clothing, such as undershirts. The\u00a0pressure from the compression clothing provides a calming mechanism for children that are affected. The key is to make sure the garment is soft, and that stretches well.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clothing that has buttons, elastic waists, collars, or cuffs will not be tolerated at all by children that are severely impacted by autism. Those are substantial sensory triggers for them. With that said, you only want to get everyday clothing, and if they are stretchy, make sure that they do not have elastic bands.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It may be difficult for parents to take children with severe autism to department or clothing stores because of how they are full of sensory triggers, which will bring on a meltdown<\/a>. However, there are plenty of\u00a0online stores that sell clothing\u00a0that you can have tried on before committing to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kids that are profoundly impacted by autism and that have severe sensory issues will always struggle. However, through\u00a0sensory integration therapy<\/a>, the effects of the triggers can be less overwhelming to the child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another way to help a child’s sensory processing improve is through brushing therapy. The type of brush to be used appears as a surgical brush. It needs to be firmly pressed against the child’s skin to brush the entire body for 2 minutes daily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This has nothing to do with what to give the child to eat<\/a>. A\u00a0sensory diet<\/a>\u00a0means that you provide activities for the child that will allow them to fulfill their sensory needs. For instance, if the child has a tremendous amount of energy to the point of not being able to sit at all, then the child should be allowed to jump on the trampoline. This will help them manage their sensory issues in the long run.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The detergent that you are using to wash your child’s clothes may be a considerable trigger as it may not be ideal for anyone with skin sensitivities, or it has a strong fragrance. It is best to stick to unscented detergents and that are meant to be used to wash clothing worn by those with skin sensitivities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children with severe autism are more likely to have severe sensory processing disorders, which means they will not handle types of clothing such as the materials and how it is made. However, by sticking to sensory-friendly clothing in addition to providing the best variety of therapies to help them manage the sensory issues, fewer meltdowns will end up resulting. In addition to that, they will be more cooperative with wearing clothing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n