Your daughter might not want to wear clothes because she could be highly sensitive to touch and other sensory information.
Sensory Sensitivities and Clothing
Some children experience the world differently due to sensory sensitivities. This means they might be more acutely aware of sensory inputs than others. According to research, these heightened sensitivities can include:
- Touch: Certain fabrics or clothing tags can feel intensely irritating or uncomfortable on their skin.
- Smell: Strong detergents or fabric softeners can be overwhelming.
- Noise: The rustling of certain fabrics may be bothersome.
- Light: The brightness of the environment while dressing might cause discomfort.
How Sensory Sensitivities Affect Clothing Choices
For a child who is sensitive to touch, the texture of clothing may be overwhelming and lead them to avoid clothes entirely. Here's a breakdown of what might be happening:
| Sensitivity Type | Potential Clothing Issue | Resulting Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Tactile | Rough seams, tight elastic bands | Refusing to wear clothes, tantrums |
| Texture | Scratchy fabrics, stiff material | Seeking comfortable alternatives |
| Pressure | Tight or restrictive clothing | Feeling anxious or wanting to remove |
| Temperature | Certain fabrics making her too hot or too cold | Not wearing clothes due to temperature sensitivity |
What You Can Do
Here are a few things that might help if your daughter has sensory sensitivities related to clothing:
- Choose soft fabrics: Opt for cotton, bamboo, or modal.
- Remove tags: Cut out tags that might be irritating.
- Try seamless clothing: Consider clothing with flat seams or no seams.
- Loose-fitting clothing: Avoid tight clothes that might feel restrictive.
- Sensory-friendly brands: Look for brands that cater to sensory sensitivities.
- Gradual introduction: Try introducing new clothes slowly.
- Respect her preferences: Understand what textures, pressures, or temperatures are comfortable for her.
By carefully considering these aspects, you can help make dressing a more comfortable experience for your daughter.
