Dressing can be a challenging routine for children with autism, especially due to sensory sensitivities or preferences for routines. With a few thoughtful strategies and sensory-friendly clothing choices, you can help make the experience smoother and less stressful for both of you. Here are some practical tips to help your child with autism get dressed with comfort and confidence.
Establish a Calming Dressing Routine
Consistency is comforting for many children with autism. Create a predictable dressing routine and follow it each day, like getting dressed after breakfast or brushing teeth. Visual cues, like picture charts or a checklist of clothing items, can help reinforce each step, making the routine easier to follow.
Tip: Use a visual schedule or checklist so your child knows the order and what to expect.
Allow Your Child to Make Choices
Letting your child have some say in what they wear can make a big difference. Offer a few pre-selected options, like two different shirts or pairs of pants, so they feel empowered without being overwhelmed. This small choice can help reduce resistance and make dressing a more positive experience.
Tip: Lay out two or three choices that you know are comfortable for them.
Select Sensory-Friendly Clothing
Many children with autism have tactile sensitivities, making certain fabrics, tags, or seams uncomfortable. Opt for sensory-friendly clothing with features like soft fabrics, tagless labels, seamless construction, and gentle compression. Brands like Cloud Nine Clothing offer options specifically designed for kids with sensory needs, including tagless tops, seamless pants, and even hoodies with built-in fidgets for calming.
Tip: Look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo, which are gentle on sensitive skin.
Prepare Clothes the Night Before
To make mornings smoother, lay out clothes the night before. Having everything ready can reduce stress and ensure that your child feels comfortable with their outfit choice. Preparing together at night also gives them time to get familiar with what they’ll be wearing, which can ease anxiety.
Tip: Involve your child in the evening routine by letting them help pick out their clothes.
Use Compression Clothing for Calmness
Some children find comfort in compression clothing, which provides a gentle, hugging pressure that can feel calming and grounding. Adding a compression shirt, leggings, or hoodie to their wardrobe can provide sensory input, helping them feel more relaxed and focused.
Tip: Compression items work well as base layers under regular clothes or on their own, depending on the setting.
Create a Calm Environment
If getting dressed is challenging, consider setting up a calm, distraction-free space for dressing. Play soft music, use calming visuals, or practice deep breathing to help make dressing a more relaxed experience. Reducing noise and bright lights can help children stay focused and comfortable.
Tip: Soft lighting, gentle music, or a favorite calming scent can help create a soothing environment.
Offer Visual and Verbal Prompts
Children with autism often respond well to clear visual or verbal prompts. Use simple language to guide them, like “Now we’re putting on your socks” or “Let’s do your shirt next.” Visual aids, like a picture chart of each clothing item in order, can also make the dressing sequence more straightforward.
Tip: Break down the dressing routine into small, manageable steps with encouraging words for each step.
Celebrate Small Wins and Use Positive Reinforcement
Acknowledge and celebrate each step your child completes. For example, if they independently put on their socks or pull on a shirt, praise them for their effort. Positive reinforcement—such as a high-five, sticker, or verbal praise—can motivate them and create positive associations with the dressing routine.
Tip: Focus on progress rather than perfection, celebrating small accomplishments along the way.
Introduce New Clothing Slowly
If your child has a strong preference for familiar clothes, introduce new items gradually. Let them wear new pieces at home first so they can get used to them in a comfortable setting. Gradual exposure helps build familiarity and reduces the likelihood of resistance.
Tip: Start with clothing that’s similar in texture or style to their preferred items for an easier transition.
Allow Extra Time for the Process
Rushing can increase stress and resistance, so try to allow extra time for dressing. A slower approach helps children stay calm, making it easier for them to participate. Taking the time to reinforce each step with encouragement can create a positive dressing routine over time.
Tip: Set aside an extra 5–10 minutes so the process can go at your child’s pace.
Final Thoughts
Making dressing routines easier for children with autism is all about creating comfort, consistency, and choice. Sensory-friendly clothing, positive reinforcement, and calming strategies can transform dressing from a stressful chore to a smoother, more manageable part of the day. For parents looking to explore sensory-friendly options, Cloud Nine Clothing offers specialized designs with tagless, seamless, and soothing features to support your child’s unique needs.