Clothing sensitivity

Have you gotten an occupational therapy evaluation? Sensitivity to clothing is a symptom of sensory integration disorder, which is typically treated by OTs.

On the other hand, it’s possible she’s allergic to elastic. I had an aunt with this problem. She had to always look for fabric-covered elastic in her underwear.

Nancy

If the real problem is itchyness, I would consider going to a fragrance free, dye free laundry detergent and do not use dryer sheets. They can cause sensitive areas to be itchy and not bother other areas. Also, change the bath soap, shampoo, or other products that your child uses at bath time. It almost seems that your child has linked underwear to itchyness.

OR she may just be a child who hates underwear. A friend’s child was like that for many years. Eventually, she wore them.

From reading your posts regarding clothing sensitivity, thought you might be interested in learning more about my clothing line for tactile defensive children. It is in the development phase right now, but I am working on a line of children’s clothing, including occasion wear, that will be made with soft cotton knit jersey, no tags, seamless, tubular knit, or flat seamed, and in custom sizing and weights (for the different seasons). I have been basing my designs on the feedback I get from parents and children who are dealing with these issues, and I was wondering any of you had thing specific suggestions, drawing upon your experience with your children. My website is

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Any info, or personal stories about you and your childs struggle with clothing will be helpful. I am trying to launch my online store in December 2008. If you like, I can keep you informed by adding you to our mailing list. Let me know by emailing me at the above address or through the site.

Thanks so much for your time, and good luck…Help is on the way!

Best,

Jessica

It has just been mentioned to me that my daughter may have tactile defensiveness. She is 8 years old and we have major battles with her clothes every day! I had always put this down to my daughter being ‘awkward’. She hates pants and any type of clothing that is the tiniest bit rough or restricting-it sends her into an angry tearful rage! She is also behind at school and it is suddenly making me wonder whether a big part of her day is being taken up thinking about how uncomfortable she feels, and how annoying her clothing is and stopping her from concentrating properly. Has anyone else experienced this?? I would appreciate any feedback or help on how best to deal with something i know so little about. Many thanks, vanessa.

Hi Vanessa,
It would very probably be effecting her concentration at school.
Here’s a link to a site with some helpful tips.
It also talks about the ‘brushing technique’, which is the popular method used to overcome it.
[url]http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/touch-sensitivity.html[/url]

The Out-Of-Sync Child is a very good book on Sensory issues. It is very important to get therapy to help your child learn to cope and be less reactive. http://www.out-of-sync-child.com/

http://www.sensorycomfort.com/Clothing.htm This company provides specialty clothing for kids who have sensory issues. They also have a great list of books, toys, etc.

Hope this helps.

HANDLE® practitioners (www.handle.org) are also very experienced at treating tactile hypersensitivity. Amongst other things, they teach a wonderful activity called “peacemaker massage.”

Absolutely tactile defensiveness can contribute to learning challenges. It is very difficult to focus on schoolwork if one is constantly uncomfortable int heir clothing! Please validate her experience and tell her that you are trying to find solutions!

Yes, I agree with pp’s. Both of my kids had tactile defensiveness and low muscle tone. They both had occupational therapy and have outgrown all the sensory issues. OT really does make a difference. My daughter couldn’t stand lumpy socks. So, we put her socks on inside out so the seam is on the outside. Maybe you can try it with underwear, put it on inside out. I hope you find a solution to the underwear problem. Let us know what worked for her.

Needs an OT! also research the “Brushing Protocol”.

I bet you struggle with the changing of seasonal clothing too……..

I experience this too…..

hang in there.