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Having a hard time shopping for clothes for your kids with sensory issues?
This happens more than you think with children’s sensory issues having a prevalence rate of 1 in 6 children. Many kids can react in many different ways ranging from overresponsive to underresponsive. This is very normal because children may have difficulties processing new senses or routines they experience. This can put an impact on shopping with kids when problems can arise such as fit and feel.
If you believe that your child has Sensory Processing Disorder, it’s important to note that Sensory Processing Disorder is not specified in the DSM-5. Sensory issues in kids also does not always mean that your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since SPD is not specified in the DSM-5 then that means it’s not really classified as its own recognized disorder, instead it can be listed as a symptom for other disorders. It’s important to understand that disorders do have associated symptoms, but that does not mean that kids who experience sensory issues have a disorder. Oftentimes, kids even grow out of their sensory issues with clothing once they better understand how to process different stimuli and better regulate their emotions which will only happen over time!
To start tackling this issue, start by listening to your little one's preferences on clothing. Sensory issues are actually a reaction to the reception of various stimuli. At a young age, this can be very difficult as they intake new sounds, feels, smells, or new things they see. Sensory overload can range and affect the overall functioning and emotional toll on the brain, so it’s vital to not dismiss sensory issues in children. If you are unsure of their preferences, we suggest that this would now be a great time to experiment with different fabrics and fits to see what your little one loves!
If your child experiences a sensory overload from their clothes, here are some good guiding points to help make shopping that much easier! It’s also important to note that each child is different and will have different preferences on what they need in their clothes.
Seams: It’s good to check the clothing for flat seams as it won’t stick out. Flat seams lay flat and are hardly noticeable by feel when the clothes are worn.
Fabric: Ensure that the fabric is soft, breathable, and not stiff. Many new clothes are stiff as it may be from fabric content or the process from production to stores.
Our products have consistently been made from soft fabrics ensuring that each child does not feel itchy or stiff in any of our clothing.
Here are some reviews to attest to Mila and Rose's use of soft fabric!
Fit: Experiment with different types of fit ranging from tight, just right, or loose. Each child has their own preference and this can give you a good idea of what they prefer.
Neckline: Many children’s clothing can vary in the neckline from length or different styles. Neck construction affects both feelings of “stuffy or suffocating” and how easy it is to put on.
Our dresses are designed for an intentional lower scoop neck back which is not only easier to put on, but also the front neckline is the perfect length so that it doesn’t feel stuffy.
Tags: Stiff tags can always feel itchy or pokey to your little one’s skin. An easy fix to this is to simply remove the tag with a seam ripper and remove the attaching thread. You can always cut the tag with scissors, but there may be some remaining tag ends which still might feel itchy to them.
Finding sensory friendly clothing doesn’t have to be a hassle anymore when you set aside a time to experiment. Once you find out most of your little one’s preferences, you will now know which certain types of clothing to buy. Remember that as your children grow, their preferences will change as they continue to better process new stimuli and learn how to regulate their emotions!
Needing more information about sensory processing in children? Here is a great resource to read from Child Mind Institute!
For any questions, comments, or tips contact us today!
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