If you believe your child might be showing signs of sensory processing disorder, it’s best to have him evaluated by a trained professional. Treatment might include occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach. For Slaton’s daughter Violet, after four months of therapy that included exercises such as popping bubbles with one finger and swinging on special swings, she was able to wear clothing.
Companies That Sell Sensory-Friendly Clothing
Along with treatment, parents are turning to sensory-friendly clothing to make kids with sensitivities more comfortable. You used to only be able to purchase these items through specialty companies, but they’re now more widely available at major retailers. Here are a few collections to look for:
Target
Target’s Cat & Jack line includes a growing selection of sensory-friendly pieces. All of the tops, bottoms, dresses and swimwear have heat-transferred labels in place of tags, along with flat seams. Any graphics on their tees are one-dimensional—you won’t find any extra pom-poms, sequins or textures that can aggravate sensitive kids. The prices are great (t-shirts run about $5 to $10), so you can stock up on the basics.
Zappos Adaptive and PBS Kids
This brand new line of sensory-friendly clothing on Zappos.com includes reversible shirts with loose necklines, flat seams, and tear-away tags that dissolve in water so that there are no leftover bits. Everything is made of a super soft poly-cotton blend fabric.
SmartKnitKIDS
Socks and underwear can be a big issue for kids with sensory issues. SmartKnitKIDS makes socks, underwear and bralettes completely free of seams and any other type of “bumps and lumps.”
Other companies that parents have found success with include Primary, Hanna Andersson and Boden. Another pro-tip: With socks and underwear, some kids will find them tolerable if they wear them inside out.
Other Tips
Allow for natural consequences. For kids who you’re sure don’t have sensory issues, let them experience the natural consequences of not wearing certain clothing. If they can’t wear a shirt, they can’t go out and play with their friends. If they don’t wear socks, their shoes will be uncomfortable. “Don’t make a big deal about it,” Groner says. “Don’t let it become a tug of war. Express the reason one wears socks. Then leave it up to your child for a bit. Chances are he will come around.”
Set up routines. It’s more likely that things will turn into a battle if kids must rush to get dressed. Start the process earlier. Have your child pick out their clothes the night before, and give them options so that they feel a sense of ownership.
At home, let them be (pantsless). Let the home be a sometimes-naked sanctuary, writes blogger MamaPlusOne, whose son Zack has clothing sensitivity issues. “At home, we can be our truest versions of ourselves, and for Zack, that version of himself, that true essence of who he is, is pantsless. And that’s okay.”