Sensory issues related to clothing, etc.

[TerryW]

Dear Dr. Ruf,

It is well known that many gifted children suffer from sensory issues related to clothing and how things feel.  My 9 year old son is extremely sensitive to how things feel on his skin such as shoes, pants, shirts, socks, and glasses. 

Even when he had to wear the same uniform for 5 years at his private school, the morning melt-downs about how the pants 'feel' never ended.  He never adjusted to the feeling of the pants on his legs.  We have this issue with many types of clothing, some of which have been resolved by purchasing only certain fabrics or construction, some of which there is no avoiding.

The logical advice does not work - let him pick out his clothes, prepare clothing the night before, take him with you shopping, force him to wear it, etc...

The sensitivity is completely illogical and therefore is no logical way for a parent to handle it.

Do you have any advice?

Thank you.

Bjtao


Dr. Ruf’s answer:

Dear Bjtao:

I would try the Rudolf Dreikurs book Children the Challenge to help you know when and how far to push your son. It can help you know whether or not your son has learned to push your buttons, too. However, I would also see a specialist in sensory issues because I know there is physical therapy—touch therapy—to help children with Sensory Integration Disorder, if you think his issue is as serious as that.

My own three sons were all quite finicky and sensitive to clothing and none of them wears jeans even today and they are all adults. I like to leave labels in my own clothes so I know how to wash and dry them, but even I often simply MUST remove tags if they turn my skin red or make me scratch and grab all day. Goes with the territory.

Lots of the really annoying finicky behaviors they will eventually outgrow. Try not to make too big a deal out of it one way or the other (after you’ve made sure SID therapy isn’t needed).

[immadiaCy]

My son has SPD, and I hate the winter time for clothing reasons.  He spends all day fussing about long sleeves/pant/socks........   It never ends.  He ends up chewing his sleeves and collars because he hates how they feel on him.  I only can have him wear certain jackets or he cant even function without having a sensory meltdown.  We live in a mild climate, so I dont even have to use a winter jacket much.  The winter jacket is the "evil jacket" according to my son.  Luckily, we only have to bring it out a few days out of the year.  I really dont  have any suggestions, but I do think the Sensory issues makes it really hard for him.  I really miss summer for the short sleeve/short outfits.  It makes life so much easier. 

Can you take the gear with you outside and not put it on until he wants to get on the sled?    Maybe putting it on outside at the sight and not in the house might work, or at least distract him.   Maybe let him go outside and be cold first.  At least he will understand why he needs to wear the warm clothes.  Good luck