My niece chews on her coat zipper.

by Nchole
(Pennsylvania)

My niece is 5 and is diagnosed with Phelan McDermid Syndrome, an autistic-like syndrome. When she is wearing a jacket or coat that has a zipper near her mouth she chews on the top corner until it is completely destroyed. She will have the zipper teeth chewed down, broken out completely and then chew on the fabric until it is in strands. Then on to a new coat- she is on her second coat this winter.

We are concerned for her health in many ways because of this. We did find a lighter jacket with the zipper on the side for her to wear, but it is not heavy enough for a PA winter.

Does anyone have a suggestion of where we can find coats and jackets that do not have zippers at the neckline? A side zipper would be best since she will pull on snaps, velcro and buttons.

Any help would be wonderful!