Russ Ewell explains the importance of considering clothing that is sensory-friendly for your child with Autism.

1. Sensory-Friendly
Clothing
For CHildren with Autism

2. Getting dressed is a simple task that does not directly impact most
children. However, for children with Autism, their outfits can affect the
remainder of their day. As a parent or guardian, being mindful of your
child’s clothing may be worth exploring to see if it aids in their behavior.

3. Sensory-friendly clothing can
address a plethora of
common issues that regular
clothing may not when it
comes to children with
Autism or SPD. It may be
difficult for your child to
verbally express which
articles of clothing, if any, are
uncomfortable. Knowing
which dress is affecting your
child’s daily behavior may
take a series of trial and error
shopping trips.

4. Clothing with rough
stitching, edges, labels,
or material can be hard
for your child to ignore.
Seamless garments,
especially where a seam
would usually fall on a
joint or bend, can be
especially beneficial.
Soft Materials

5. Easy to Wear
Many children with
Autism or SPD have
difficulties with some
motor skills or operating
accessories like zippers or
buttons. Recognizing this
in your child and buying
them clothing without
these accessories will help
them to learn to dress
themselves.

6. Clothing that offers a
slight feeling of pressure
can provide children with
Autism a sense of
security and safety.
However, parents should
be sure that the clothing
is not too tight as to
where it distracts them or
even prohibits full
movement.
Perfect Pressure

7. When exposed to sensory-friendly clothing, children with Autism or SPD often
experience lower levels of stress and sensory overload. The garments also provide
the child with a sense of security which will aid the child in completing everyday
developmental tasks – like attending a school or socializing with others.

8. Thank you!
All photos from UnsplashAll photos from unsplash
Russ Ewell
www.RussEwell.net