So relieved to find this site

by Melissa
(Massachusetts)

I am a 34 year old mom of 4 kids. I have 3 boys & one girl. My daughter who is 4 years old, always from the time of her birth had an issue with clothes & shoes, and the problem only seemed to get worse as she grew older. When she was 2 years old I asked our family pediatrician why she was having major issues with clothing & shoes and he stated she was to young to diagnose.




Now at 4 years old, we cannot even go anywhere without her freaking out about clothes and she only wants to wear dresses, one pair of shoes,and only certain underwear. If she does not have these "only clothes" she freaks out & screams & screams and I have had to force her to wear jeans. When we get in the car she just takes them off stripping down to her underwear in a rage.

When I have gone to my son's football games she has thrown herself on the ground screaming her shoes are not tight enough... I felt so helpless because all my other kids don't have this type of behavior. Other than the clothes issue's she is a very smart,beautiful,loving little girl... I was very afraid I would never be able to send her to school with these issues.

Finally, I called her pediatrician and said please, I really think this is an issue, I can't go anywhere with her in the fall/winter because she only wants to wear dresses & tappy shoes as she calls them in 40 degree weather... I am looking like a horrible parent... I have missed out on a lot of my sixteen year old, who is graduating next year, events due to this behavior of my daughter.

The doctor referred me to a specialist that deals with clothing sensory, so I am crossing my fingers... I decided on my own to do some research & found this site... wow I am pure tears of joy in my eyes... that finally this was understood... and that I wasn't a bad parent... it was nice to know we were not the only ones dealing with this... I am hoping we will be able to treat this... and my little princess can go to school like she so wants to.

I know she does not want to feel that way... it's something out of her control... and it breaks my heart to see her freaking out over clothes & shoes. I cannot wait to meet this specialist & start working on her clothing issues... so I can enjoy my daughter & start taking my family places without the screaming & rages over clothes...

Thank you for all those that have written for us parents to read.. it really helps to see we are not the only one...

sincerely,

Melissa from Massachusetts



Comments for So relieved to find this site

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Sep 28, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		5 year old going through the same thing again
by: Stressed Out Mom

I would love to know what Melissa from Massachusetts found when they went to the specialist. I have an almost 5 year old daughter that I just went through this last fall and winter with her clothes and now again this year. I bought special socks, underwear, leggings etc. Let her pick things out and try things on first but I seriously can't go through another fall and winter of all of the screaming and fighting getting ready before school because everything feels tight and she hates everything. I read and talked to everyone last year and I'm out of options.
Feb 11, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		7 yo daughter can't stand underwear
by: Anonymous

I am so relieved for everyone's comments and advice. My 7-year-old all of sudden said that her underwear was uncomfortable. Which drove us crazy, and her tantrums were unbearable. We finally just gave in and let her not wear them at the house, of course, she has a dress or gown but it was for a few weeks now and I was beginning to worry because that wasn't normal for us. But I am going to do baby steps. I will try the hipsters and reward good behavior. Thank you so much.
Feb 02, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My daughter hates clothes
by: Anonymous TX

I am so glad to come across this page and know I'm not the only one struggling with this. My 4 1/2 year old daughter has always been picky with clothing but we would get around that always. About 2 months ago from 1 day to the next she refused to wear leggings, shorts, socks, underwear and shoes.

Currently she only wears dresses, we are down to her only liking 2 sometimes 3 dresses out of like 20 that she has. She only wears 1 pair of underwear that i have to wash every night so she goes commando to bed and then we have to fight to put them on each morning because their freshly washed and dried so to her they are tight. She only likes 1 pair of shoes, no socks and she refuses to wear a jacket.

I have purchased different types of clothing, underwear, socks of all styles, fabrics, brands, colors, from several different retail stores. I have even let her pick out what she wants and that still does not help. We have tried bribing that didn't work. If we force clothing on her she goes crazy. For bed she only wears nightgowns. Besides her not liking clothing she is a happy smart little girl. I recently took her to her first appointment with a specialist and I'm hoping that can give us some feedback as to what we can do.

It has been a very stressful couple of months.
Jun 23, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		LuLaRoe Leggings are a big help!
by: Anonymous

So glad to come across this site! Just a tiny recommendation for those battling sensory issues with clothes: My sensory sensitive 3yo recently discovered a love of LuLaRoe leggings. It's not a complete fail safe as she still finds some uncomfortable,(I personally noticed a difference between the sizing/fit made in China vs Philippines vs Indonesia so check the tags or ask the seller) but at least she (generally) enjoys wearing them (they even have Disney prints) and finds them comfortable once the tags are cut out. They're advertised as being "buttery soft" and are ultra stretchy so definitely worth a try for other sensory kids so I just thought I'd share...You can find vendors online or often kids consignment shops like Once Upon A Child will have them..
May 22, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		SOLUTION DRIVEN
by: Anonymous

My kid (10 now) was showing these same issues with socks and underwear. We resolved it by:

1- He stopped wearing underwear!! After trying ALL types that he finds uncomfortable

2- since he wears no underwear I have to use hypoallergenic laundry detergent (Allfree) and NEVER use fabric softeners (most people are allergic to them). Instead i buy UNSTOPPABLES which are lil smell good beads that make the clothes smell good. I use just a lil on each load.

2- I cut the tags on all t-shirts. I only buy "soft" and loose fitting clothes...like sweat pants from Old Navy

3- I found underamour has socks without the toe seams which he tolerates just fine.

4- I gave up the losing battle to let him wear his warm hoodie to school even when its 100 degrees outside!! He says it makes him feel like he has a cozy quilt on!! He’s happy!

5- He refuses to put lotion on his face (in dry Arizona) because he doesn't like how it makes his face feel so i smother him in lotion when he’s asleep!!! Lol

I still am working on a solution for the fact that i buy him expensive sneakers hat he then refuses to wear because of how they feel! Smh! But for the most part i can figure out what sneakers will work best for him.

Hope this helps some of you!
Apr 30, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Underwear issues!
by: Anonymous

MY daughter is 4.5 and has recently taken a major issue to underwear giving her "wedgies". Ive tried cotton, spandex, mixes of both, boycut, bikini, hipster, etc. I've tried letting her go without underwear but she doesn' t like that either. She's constantly tugging at them. It's not the seams that bother her...it's the fabric doesn't cover all of her bottom and it bothers her. I get it but I don't know what else can be done.

Does anyone out there know of any brand or style of underwear for girls that covers their little bottoms more?
Apr 26, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		From experience of the difficulty
by: Flowering Cherry

As a dyspraxic adult who had a lot of sensory trouble with clothes I would make these comments.

One of the things I find is an immense variation in how things like clothes feel, for no apparent reason. This is really stressful and difficult. Sympathising with what's happening for the child, and encouraging the child to express the resulting emotions appropriately, is likely to help a child a lot to accept themselves and their experience, and hopefully to make less trouble for you as well (I'm afraid I have no practical advice on how to do this, being a sufferer rather than a caregiver).

One of the things I've learnt is to keep something on for a few minutes to see if it gets worse or better. If you can find ways of letting the child try something for a while, rather than having to give a yes or no at once, without them being blamed (look for shops that are generous with returns, perhaps) then it may be possible to raise a willingness to try new things (I realise this is probably incredibly difficult with underwear). Rewarding a child for keeping something on for half an hour - no pressure to say yes to wearing it afterwards - may help (but I would say remember that you don't really know what they are experiencing: wait until they are ready for it and don't overdo it). It is really difficult to try new things if you tend to be overwhelmed by unpredictable sensory responses all the time, even if the responses are mostly not particularly unpleasant in themselves.


As an adult, I've tended to devolve to loose clothing - A-line dresses, loose, baggy leggings, soft cotton jersey tops. And it has got a lot less bad! I also make most of my own clothes. If you are having real trouble with some clothes and not others, or with replacing outgrown clothes, and the cost isn't an issue, it may be worth asking a tailor/seamstress to copy the old clothes in as similar a fabric as you can find. Or to line things like school uniform if it is the seams that cause the problem.

It is also worth thinking about things which might alter the feel of the clothes slightly - like putting new clothes on first (on a hot day) slightly damp, or well washed and crisply ironed. I remember that what used to drive me crazy with underwear was either the movement of the edge of things like waistbands, or them always feeling as if they were on back-to-front because they didn't fit quite properly. With some girls it might be worth trying things like bikini/tankini tops/bottoms rather than conventional underwear.

With school uniform, it probably depends what the problem is. If a child is all right with layers and it is cloth they don't like the feel of, consider putting it over something they often wear at first. If it is the fit, it is possible to do things like putting discreet gussets under sleeves to make them less restrictive, though it probably is a harder problem to solve. I took my school kilt apart when I was fifteen and changed the flat double front (which was what drove me crazy) into the same type pleats as it had around the back, which was a discreet enough change to get away with.
Apr 22, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fight,Rage, Tantrums, Meltdowns
by: Anonymous

It feels good to find this site and see so many parents undergoing the same issue which I am facing now.

My 5 years old daughter used to wear everything finely till last 20 days. Suddenly its like a switch went off or some thing. She started complaining about undies. She does not want to put them at all. She says it hurts her and it does on stay at a proper place on tummy. She wants to wear only her pants.

She wears underwear provided we do not put leggings. But she will not have both. We had such a rough time dealing this. She will start kindergarten this Sep and the school has a uniform. I am not sure how I can make her to wear the uniform.

We are planning to take her out and try some more undies of her choice and see if it makes any change. The stress of this dressing and the the melt downs she had from last 20 days took the charm of her face. As of now I will just let her wear leggings till she grows out of it.

Any suggestions are welcome
Apr 20, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Glad to find this site...been living this for about 13 out of 151/2 yrs.
by: Anonymous

My 15 yr old daughter is very smart..she began reading before going to school.She could memorize books etc..it would take a book to explain all that we have gone through re her clothes.

She has been diagnosed with communication disorder in first grade and yet was happily playing with her classmates in second grade.Wonderful teacher made the difference that year.

5th grade very picky teacher ..asked her to cover her arms and my daughter went into big baggy tee shirts w leggings..She has been stuck for 4 yrs on this style. I can empathize with you all. We have had her in counseling..for 5 yrs.

She just started 9th grade in Sept.and luckily has honor role no absence no late ness but is still stuck on sane shirt type behavior.

Thank you for this site..Wish saw it sooner ..
Sep 12, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		I understand
by: Mom from MA

My daughter was diagnosed with SPD when she was 4 and now she is 9. I remember asking myself what was this over night change and what was wrong.

After lots of research from my side we found out it was SPD. she has had issues with everything, socks, underwear, pants, shirts but she also has overcome a lot. Summer is our "break"season but since we live in MA our break is short and the torture is long. She has had OT, but I dont see how playing in Monkey bars, and jumping will help her although we do it.

We went shopping today since school started, temperatures are dropping and the shorts that she wore the whole summer are really out. She must've tried over 15 pair of pants but none,none felt right. I took her to every store I could think of, i am willing to spend whatever just to get her a few pair of pants so she can change them every day. My heart breaks into pieces when i see her choosing the pants and commenting on how "cool" and cute she would.look with those on, only to find out in the dressing room that they dont fit right.

I just pray for my kid, for all the kids with this disorder, to overcome it because is just not fair.
May 22, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help please
by: Sunny San Diego

I have a 10 year old son will only wear certain shorts and t-shirts and socks. He is graduating to middle school and he has to wear a button up shirt and pants it is mandatory. Going clothes shopping is impossible, I’ve been using mail order, either way there is screaming crying and throwing self face first on bed telling me he doesn’t like the fabric. I don’t know what to do. Should I have him not go to promotion? Please advice, I feel hopeless.
May 16, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hellllppppppp!!!!
by: Anonymous

My 10 year old had HORRIBLE clothing aversions around the ages of 3 to 6 or 7 years. But I at least found that she loved most leggings so I let her wear leggings almost constantly. She always had one pair of favorite shoes but when she outgrew them it was a horrible change into find new favorite shoes. And she never really had issues with shirts.

I had so much anxiety with my second daughter wondering if we would have to go through it all over again. So I felt overjoyed when we went through the ages of 3 and 4 with NO ISSUES. I could say that my 5 year old daughter has always been the kid who will wear anything I give her.

Then about 5-6 months ago my 5 year old started having issues with socks and shoes feeling "weird". She says all of her socks are too small. So I bought a bigger size and she says they feel "stripey", her word for wrinkled. I told her they wrinkle because they’re too big and the ones she says are too small are just the right size.

Then she started complaining about underwear. Her main complaints are: it’s too tight, it gives me a wedgie, it feels stripey, and it doesn’t cover her butt cheeks all the way. It’s not so much the underwear that bothers her, it’s how they feel when she tries to pull pants on over them. We’ve tried EVERYTHING.

She has had the most perfect fitting pants or shorts but then she tests them by pulling them down and adjusting them. Then she starts screaming because she says the pants pull her underwear down at the same time. I feel so helpless.

Now it takes a solid hour of screaming and rage just to dress her and get her out the door. It’s soooo sudden that all of this came on! Just a month ago she would insist on wearing a gymnastics leotard to play on the toys at the gym while my oldest daughter had her private lesson. Now she hates leotards with a fiery passion.

She used to get ready for dance class with excitement and joy but in the last month we DREAD getting her ready because she has to wear dance tights and her black leo. We finally gave up on making her wear tights to practice. But now she has a dance recital coming up the end of this month and she HAS to wear tights with her costume and I am a nervous wreck thinking about how to get her in those things!
Apr 23, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		dressing my 4 year old is a job!
by: Anonymous

Tonight my daughter had a melt down for almost an hour because her underwear didn't fit rite!!!!This is becoming constant with clothing, reg sox we turn inside out so they don't BUG her. Helpful hint to parents with children with sock issues. Bombas brand socks are seemless, no issues!
Feb 27, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Experience
by: Lucy

It took 12 years to diagnose my daughter with Sensory Integration Disorder. All those years, I was concerned and knew something was not right.

I clearly remember my pregnancy with this baby was so different. It felt as though this baby was trying to break out from its containment. The movements were so intense and strong, people could see my top, or blouse moving, as though I had a mouse skittering underneath my clothes.

Once born, this baby screamed incessantly. The nurses in the nursery and the parents complained about her screaming. She was quiet and calm only when in my arms.

When I brought her home, her father left, because he couldn't take the screams. My concerns to the pediatrician resulted in his diagnosing her as a "colicky" baby. BS, I thought. This is no colic i've ever seen. Something was not right.

She was brilliant, with a high vocabulary. She could cut you to the quick with insults. Baby sitters quit on me. They said the'd baby sit my other child for nothing, but I couldn't pay them to baby sit her. She's an adult, now, a mother and difficult to be around.
Feb 11, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sensory vs OCD
by: Anonymous

My 8 year old struggles with clothing. She has been wearing 2-3 sports bras for over three years now because she likes the feel of the tightness around her body.

At times, she has worn 2-3 pairs of underwear too. She only wears certain pants or shirts because they have to feel just right. She will only wear leggings and they have to be the one from target because she doesn't like the way any other brand feels on her body.

I have had to put up to 4 different stitches in each pair of leggings she wears because they have to feel super tight around the waist. They are so tight they leave red marks.

She has had stomach issues this past year and I now believe her current stomach issues are from her pants being too tight. She has complete meltdowns any time her clothes do not feel tight enough. This is a constant battle. We are running late for school most days because of this. This causes anxiety for my older daughter too. She is very slow moving and no matter what we do, we just cannot seem to get ahead. She was also just diagnosed with epilepsy.

Can there be a connection with sensory disorder and epilepsy? I have questioned OCD with her too because of her obsessions and rituals. My oldest has OCD and we have been told it runs in families. She has had so many health issues this past year with her stomach, back pain, and epilepsy that I am scared of another diagnosis for her such as OCD or Sensory Disorder.

I spoke with the pediatrician about this a few years ago and he said she would most likely grow out of it. I do not feel that is the case. Is this OCD or Sensory?

Is there a connection with epilepsy at all?
Feb 10, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My 4yr old daughter starting now with sensory issues
by: Anonymous

My daughter 4yr started just Now with sensory issues. She entered in pre-k 5 months ago and I had another baby 3 months ago.

I think these situations contributed for the beginning of problems. First I noticed that she Don't want wear socks now she is becoming picky with cloths. Well, I am all ready trying to battle the situation. I bought seamless stocking in Amazon and we are doing different activities in home.

So Now we jump a lot we play play dos we play with sand and even with Chantilly in body. Looks crazy but I think I will succeed. Being positive is the first step for healing.

I also take her out with friends in manual play dates só she can Distract. I read a story about a mom that bought 100 pairs of seamless stocking and the boy by 40 Day was with no issues with socks.

So lets be positive ! Each Child is different but we can share our ideas and solutions, they may work for others!
Jan 19, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sudden change
by: Katie

I am really praying and hoping to find some answers. My three yr old over night is struggling with underwear and pants. All styles and shapes. I've tried it all.

One day she was fine and had been wearing panties for a year. Next day she wakes up with wedgie issues. Now she screams and cries on and off all day about wedgies. And it sounds so ridiculous. But it is so stressful and I don't know how to help her.

I show her that shes ok and that she does not have one, yet she screams. I'm ready to cry with her! I don't know what else to do. It is starting to affect every day life.

Help!
Dec 12, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I need help from someone that's been there...
by: Crystal

I need help... my 9 year old daughter had this same issue and has since she was about 3... the Dr said it was a faze and she would grow out of it, so I should just let her wear what she wants which I did.

She hasn't worn panties since she was 3.... She find one shirt and 1 or 2 pairs of pants or shirts take depending on the season that she likes. She hates shoes except Velcro slide Sandler. I recently got her to wear her sisters crocs because the weather is changed.

It's so hard and I feel constantly judged like I'm a wears the same outfit daily. She sees a therapist, but im not sure what else I can do to help get her past this.. it's even gone so far that I now homeschool her as well!!

Any advice on how I can get her to try new things without it being the end of the world would be greatly appreciated!!
Sep 05, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Adults sharing insight into their own sensory issues
by: Frieda

I recently read an adult's story of what her life was like as a child suffering from tactile sensory issues and how she deals with this issue as an adult. I would appreciate hearing the stories of other adults with these issues.
Sep 05, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Looking for treatment options that work
by: Frieda

I was fascinated to read all these stories. My granddaughter is so much like many of these children with sensory issues. She is 4 and cannot tolerate socks, underwear, most tops, pants, and outdoor winter clothing.

She compromises by wearing just the hood of her winter coat on her head and then removes the jacket when she gets into the car for day care. She wears only dresses and even then she bares her shoulders, even if this makes the top very tight. She is now sleeping naked. She will start school next year, and her mother really worries how in the world this can even happen.

Oddly, she will wear her swimming suit, which is a lot like wearing underwear. My granddaughter's older sister had tactile issues for about a year but has completely outgrown them, so maybe there's hope.
Sep 03, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sensory process disorder
by: Nisha Bailey

I have a 3yr old that hates clothes she went through a phase wear she only wanted to wear certain things but now she doesn't like to wear nothing at all but panties!!! I can put clothes on her to go somewhere and as soon as we get back home she takes everything off...but its becoming a problem cause if we go somewhere for a long period of time or to someone else house she tries to
take everything off.
Aug 23, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		2 year old
by: Anonymous

I have a 2 year old that may truly have a SPD. He has a fixation with a fitted sheet/elastic. It's almost like he drifts away in another world when he curls up in it. Almost like he has checked out mentally. He also struggles with loud noises by hitting his ears when it becomes unbearable. He will begin his evaluation soon by an OT.
Apr 26, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		hopeful
by: Anonymous

so glad we found other people experiencing this my granddaughter is down to wearing 2 dresses will not wear pants underwear or socks finally found a pair of sneakers she will wear we see neurologist in may this has been a nightmare crying screaming everyday before school she will not wear pants shorts or underwear it so crazy
Feb 16, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		This sounds like a sensory issue
by: Michele M

I would recommend your child have a sensory integration assessment with an Occupational Therapist. She could be tactile defensive. This can present in children (and adults)in many ways depending on which sense is affected. She may simply need a "sensory diet" in which you and her caregivers (teachers, family members) help integrate her to be more comfortable in her environment! I have seen this when I worked in residential treatment, most commonly with children facing ADHD or spectrum disorders. Fact is...we all have sensory issue. Some just cope more effectively! Good luck to her!
Jan 28, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Your daughter does not have this.
by: Anonymous

I'm sorry for your troubles but your daughter does not have this disorder. Not wanting to wear pants or certain clothes is very common in toddlers. There are differing degrees but it is not sensory processing disorder.
Jan 26, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I'm in Same boat sista
by: Trish

My almost 7-year-old son has always had this issue with clothes, shoes, Coats, & socks. Getting dressed isn't much of a struggle as long as it's loose fitting ( sweatpants and a soft cotton shirt) Sneakers and jackets on the other hand is tough. If he feels anything from the sole of the sneaker he flips. Can't be high tops, and must be all around soft. So any decent sneaker is out. Only cheep Walmart kicks that offer no support.

I have spent 6.5 years buying gloves/mittens/fingerless/anything to get him to wear gloves and have never had luck. We live in Pa and have many long cold days. He's declined the chance to play in snow many times because wearing gloves, scarf, hat, snowsuit aren't worth it to him. 2 times last year I was successful and put it all on to play with me in snow.

I hear all these similar stories but rarely hear anyone having a solution. What kind of test do they do for this? Good Luck to everyone.
Jan 07, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		h.d.h.d
by: Anonymous

hi my grandson has hdhd bought him a new coat he wont wear it he only wants to wear his old coat in witch is scruffy zip broken and torn he threw his new coat on the floor saying I'm not wearing it what do I do help
Nov 06, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pay attention
by: Anonymous

It is not that easy like let the kids be free. It is abnormal. A kid that has these kinds of behaviours need attention. My daughter never wanted to buy clothes. She usually wears the same androgen shirt in different colours, and rejected to buy clothes. Now, as a teenager she developed anorexia nervosa. At this moment, she is in the hospital. She has anxiety, and depression. This kind of behaviour is a clue that something is not right.
Mar 15, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		SPD? ??
by: Anonymous

Children are free spirits. If she wants to wear a dress it's because she feels good in one. Why not let her wear the dress over the top of the pants you want her to wear. Forcing her is teaching her that what she likes isn't right. I regret not letting my daughter wear dresses all the time when she was young... now she only ever wears leggings and sneakers. They do grow out of it eventually. She just wants to feel pretty. It's just a stage so embrace it I say.
Feb 11, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		4 year old having OT does tolerate bamboo clothing
by: Anonymous

Hi - my grandson who has been a nightmare from being tiny and used to HATE nappies was diagnosed with SPD aged 3 and 1/2 and has started OT . The only clothes we can get him into and which stay on are bamboo tops and black leggings from the BAM site (with labels cut out of course!) . He lives in crocs shoes snow/rain or shine and underwear is a no no . His nursery make him wear socks n black trainers ( which he hates and rips off asap) . Coat/hat/ gloves also hopeless - he wraps himself with one of his 4 soft blankets he has had years to keep warm . (Nursery also disallow) . Due to start school September 2016 - no idea how we will negotiate the battles there. We live outer London and UK medics appear to have little truck with SPD . Anyway, God will make a way - but thought would share re the bamboo clothes if useful to anyone else .
Dec 31, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		they will grow out of it.
by: Anonymous

I had problems when I was little with anything touching my hands. I hated mittens and gloves and it was torture having to hold my dad's hand. None of the stated hurt, but have me an overbearing tickling sensation. As I got older it went away...I would guess around 10-12 years old. Nothing wrong with me as an adult. Normal as can be. Normal health, normal brain, normal life.
Dec 30, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		SPD
by: su

i have the same issue with my 4 year old...
my question is what kind of activities you do with her at home?

how can i help her deal with that as start, and before i take her to the OT appointment?
Oct 11, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My daughter just hates clothes
by: Anonymous

So glad to see that this is a problem as I have always just thought its just my daughter playing up. My daughter is 5 years old and the problem has got worse she won't wear socks only for school she hates underwear. She will only wear certain things like thin play suits 1 pair of shoes hair hair plaits have to be in a certain place on her head. I am losing the will to live lost for ideas with her she won't wear pyjamas at bed time doesn't like being clothed. Her teacher in school has picked up on her problem as she won't wear put her or kit on she has lots of lovely clothes and won't wear any she will only wear certain knickers she will never wear a coat even in the freezing cold wet weather I feel like a bad mum letting her go out wearing next to nothing it's an ordeal every time we're going out just don't know what to do anymore ?????
May 22, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wits end :(
by: Katie

I wish someone had an answer for me! It's reassuring to know were not alone, but it doesn't help that several hours of the day are of my just trying to not lose my mind over my four year old screaming her face off about socks, shoes, underwear, coats, mittens, tshirts, pants, literally any article of clothing is enough to set of an all out scream fest that lasts a good hour!

I'm defeated and I hate myself because I can't even begin to know how to deal with it, I have no help and I wm all out of patients!

If anyone!!! ANYONE has ANY ideas on what the heck I'm supposed to, I would be forever greatful because I'm losing my damn mind!!!!
May 07, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clothing choices
by: Anonymous

I'm 14 years old. My sister has had a lot of trouble with similar things. We saw an OT for a while that put athletes tape on her feet. When the tape was on my sister didn't feel like she had to tighten her shoes as much (which was good because we were afraid that her feet weren't getting enough circulation!).

When I was younger I also had problems with clothing. My mom was nice enough to let me wear whatever was comfortable. If I need clothes I still have to got to the store and try one about 10 things before I buy even 1 shirt etc.

If parents can please let your kids wear what they need to wear for their sensory system. A good option is when you find clothes that your kids like buy several of them, that way you can wash them while your kid is wearing the same thing.
Mar 20, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		SPD? ??
by: Anonymous

Now this is an "aha" moment! My daughter is 9, will be 10 as of May/15. For the last few years things have gotten worse with her clothing likes and dislikes. At first it was just jeans...she hated them, which isn't all that abnormal. So I bought her some super stretch pants with a button so she didn't always wear track pants to school but she took such a temper tantrum she actually took a pair of scissors to them!! So it's either tights, yoga pants, or track pants. She also hates long sleeve shirts or all kinds, she wears t-shirts year round. When she puts a shirt on with a mock neck or long sleeves she will cry and tug/stretch it to try to make it fit better but she always ends up changing.

Mornings are rough, our newest hurdle is socks...they have to be the cheap lose ankle socks or she goes into panic mode....and God forbid she can't find a clean pair of socks, even my socks (which my feet at 3 sizes bigger then hers) are too "tight" for her. We struggle each morning and I assumed she was just very over dramatic or trying to be miss drama and enjoyed the spot light while taking her tantrums but I think I have been wrong...and feel horrible for it. There is nothing more frustrating when the morning is filled with getting ready for work, making lunches, getting the younger one ready for school, breakfast made, dogs cared for and my 9 year old crying/screaming because her socks are tight...are socks not supposed to be tight?? In her case I guess not! I guess I have some reading to do and try to help her better then I have. She also will not wear her hair down, it's always in a pony tail and in a bun at bed time.
Sep 26, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		My daughter never wears socks either!
by: Anonymous

Wow, I wish I had found this site years ago - my daughter never wears socks either!

I gave up on her ever wearing socks many years ago, and she has been much happier without them.

It started when she was very young like 2, she was always resistant to wearing all kinds of socks or hose or tights, anything clinging tightly to her feet she didn't like at all.

At first she would cry when I would try to put socks on her, then as she got a bit older, she would actually take her shoes off, then take her socks off and throw them asside, and put her shoes back on without socks.

It wasnt such a big deal during spring, summer or fall months, but in the winter I thought she needed them. But she vehemently disagreed and prefered to go without socks, even in close toed shoes.

So by age 4 Id pretty much given up on her ever wearing socks. It wasn't worth the daily battle. That was over 9 years ago.

I literally think my 13 year old daughter has probably not worn any kind of socks, tights, hose or anything of the sort covering her feet in 10 years.

She wears closed toed and closed heeled shoes without socks every single day now, whether to school or after school. She wears penny loafers to school bc of the school uniform requirements, but is allowed to not wear socks. They actually changed the rule on sock requirements the year before she enrolled bc so many elementry aged girls were wearing ballet flats without socks, that it was getting awkward to try to enforce the socks portion of the uniform requirement.

Even in gym class she wears her nike cheer sneaker without socks. When she dresses for church, she wears mary janes without socks or hose, because she still doesn't like the feeling of them touching her feet.

In the winter months, she wears warm boots without socks, like uggs or the like.

I would have never guessed it 10 or 11 years ago when she first started making a big fuss about not wearing socks, but she really has had a perfectly happy, healthy childhood completely free of any kind of socks or anything clinging to her feet, and she has been much more plesant to be around because of it!

Glad to know there are other parents out there and that shes not alone!
Sep 09, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		HH please join www.sensoryplanet.com
by: Anonymous

HH -you are the only other parent with a child with issues of clothing on the waist. Please message me in sensoryplanet. Jackie
Aug 20, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		clothing
by: Anonymous

This website has been so helpful to find other parents with similar situations. My daughter has also has struggled with tactile defensiveness for several years. The brushing program did not work for her either. We have tried different things with our schedule to help her out. She does much better with a lot of deep pressure and deep muscle work.

I have found that there is Hanes Microfiber underwear that work well for her. They don't have the same elastic band as the other underwear. She wears them more on her hips than up around her waist. She will make things excessively tight to help it not driver her crazy. I am amazed at the coping mechanisms that these young children will use to try to get through everyday activities.
Aug 17, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		TACTILE DEFENSIVENES/clothing issues
by: Anonymous

I also have a 4 year old daughter who hates to wear clothes. She insists that they hurt her. She hates seams, elastic, tags, threads, etc. She stays totally naked when she is home and when we go out in public the only things we are able to keep on her are dresses and a few select flip-flops. She absolutely refuses to wear underwear and socks (even seamless socks).

We were finally able to have her diagnosed as having tactile defensiveness and her OT recommended doing the Wilbager brushing technique and also listening therapy but we have not managed to follow through with these. She doesn't like wearing the the big, awkward earphones and she thinks the brushing hurts even. Time has been a factor for us as well. She also refuses to tie the strings on her dresses . she has also been chewing on alot of things.

She found all of her big sister's new pencils for school and bit all the erasers off and made bite marks on the pencil. She also asks for cold baths often and popsicles and doesn't care to go with out the proper clothes in cold weather even. she will wear shoes without socks and get blisters and sores to the point where her little feet are bleeding but she insists the pain of the socks is worse. she doesn't like the feel of hardly any fabrics, she has issues with our furniture, bedding, and even my clothes and skin when she tries to sit on my lap.

The few times this summer that we've managed to make her wear (exercise/lycra ) pants she will wear a long shirt over them to conceal the fact that she isn't wearing underwear and also has her pants pulled down. she can not stand anything on her belly or waist. she also has issues with her female area.( her legs often get galded and chapped and she often gets infections which the pediatric gynecologist said was vaginitis. I personally thinks she may be getting yeast infections (she had thrush as an infant) I cannot seem to find any help. I am absolutely desperate.

The message from Melissa in Massachusetts that I just read is the first story that sounds remotely close to her. I would love to be able to contact you. Will you please tell me if you were able to find someone who could help your 4 yr. old daughter. And also tell me what type of underwear she will wear. I have tried everything that I have found available for purchase and she hates it all.If anyone can relate to any of this please contact me.Thanks! HH
Nov 22, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		MY SON IS SPD TOO
by: Anonymous

I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. MY SON IS ABOUT TO TURN 6 AND WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH HIS CLOTHING ISSUE FOR 3 YEARS NOW. HE JUST STARTED KINDERGARTEN AND I ASKED HIS GUIDANCE COUNSELOR WHY HE THROWS FITS BECAUSE I MAKE HIM WEAR UNDERWEAR, SOCKS AND GOD FORBID IF HIS PANTS HAVE POCKETS! SHE TOLD ME ABOUT SPD AND I WAS JUST FLOORED. THIS IS MY SON EXACTLY! I AM ALSO GOING TO SEEK OTHER HELP FOR HIM BUT FIRST I AM GOING TO DO MORE RESEARCH MYSELF. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF USEFUL INFO FOR PARENTS LIKE US OUT THERE AND IF ALL IT TAKES FOR HIM TO BE HAPPY IS SEAMLESS CLOTHES THEN IM ALL FOR IT!

THANKS, SYMPATHETIC IN GILBERT S.C.
Nov 18, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Wow!
by: Sarah

I have been battling these same issues with my daughter who just turned 8. She is late to school almost everyday because of it. She is now falling behind in reading because she is always LATE & over obsessed with clothing/shoe/sock & hair issues!!!
Oct 26, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Have you found Carrie?
by: hartleysboys.blogspot.com

Kind of a strange thing to ask, but Carrie Fannin runs a support group through Yahoo in EVERY state around the US (and some other countries). You can also find her on facebook.com, here is what that group description is:

We are a discussion group, and much more! Sit back, relax, and read. This forum was created to help you find resources about SPD and to provide links to multiple topics that touch SPD.

SPD International is building listservs in each state. We consider these the "second generation" of listservs. What began as a pilot program in Washington state three years ago was finally expanded to every U.S. state to try and bring parents who are raising children with SPD together in their own communities. And while we are doing that, we'll also work hard to continually bring you relevant educational material and information about resources, conferences and support groups where you are living and raising your child.

As of August 2008, we have active participants in 41 states and a growing international listserv for those who live in other countries. To join one in your state, go to the following URL:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SPDYourState (there is no space between "SPD" and the name of your state). Join the group in your state now and be part of a growing effort to build and raise community support! We think you'll be glad you did!

JOIN Your state group--and check out my blog.
Hartleysboys.blogspot.com

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