4 Yr old daughter has clothing issues

[tammypuri]

I've been reading about sensory processing disorder and am curious if my daughter could have a mild form of it. She has a thorough and complete aversion to wearing pants, but especially jeans/denim and ANYTHING that has a button on it - even if it is just decorative. The most recent incident reminded my husband and I of the movie "The Exorcist" when the priest splashes the holy water on Reagan..., she was really upset and not having a fit or tantrum. She will only wear cotton dresses with no closures at the back or front and tights - which is fine except when the weather dictates something different.  Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[specialmom]

Yes, keep your eye on it.  With the occupational therapy we did, most of my son's tactile things have gotten much better.  He had other things that were more worrisome----  but honestly, everything is much much better.  One thing I do is go ahead and buy bigger sizes if I see the perfect thing.  Then I have what he'll need when he outgrows the current size.  I buy ahead for the next size up to be ready.  We had trouble with sleep wear for a while-------  so I bought the same things in like 2 or 3 sizes as they were perfect and I didn't know if I'd be able to find the same perfect type of  jammy when he next needed it.  Anyway, good luck and let me know if you have any questions on sensory!

[tammypuri]

I make sure she has plenty of cotton play dresses, tights and soft pants so that she will have something that we know she can wear. I even tell family and friends NOT to send her any clothing gifts as she is so particular. It only gets hard when you have to go store to store to find the cotton dresses with no closures at the back during the fall & winter season - this past winter Gymboree became the only shop that had dresses that didn't have anything on the back.   Again thank you to everyone and we'll keep an eye on her for any changes then consult her pediatrician if it gets any worse.

[tammypuri]

RockRose & Specialmom - thank you! Addyson is 4 and also has high collar issues.

[specialmom]

I got side tracked while posting and didn't see Rockrose's post.  She is right.  Some kids like the "squeeze".  It is known as deep pressure and is calming, soothing and organizing to some kids.  They sell special things for this or you can buy "under armour" in a size too small at a sporting goods store to wear under clothes.  

[specialmom]

My son has sensory integration disorder (or sensory processing disorder) and was diagnosed at 4.  It is an issue with the nerous system and can be mild to severe.  Every single person has sensory issues but it is only a disorder when someone has difficulty coping with them.  Tactile defensiveness is usually the issue with clothing.  I don't know how old your daughter is and whether this is the case or not.  But I would google it.  My son won't wear anything with a tag or thick seam.  High necks-----  no way.  I know kids that will only wear long sleeves even in hot weather or will not wear long pants even in cold weather.  Tactile defensiveness can range from slightly uncomfortable to unbearable.  An occupational therapist treats for sensory and for tactile defensiveness will do things like brushing and joint compressions as well as exposure therapy.  Worked great for my son!  There are many other issues that can crop up with sensory even if it is mild.  My son has done occupational therapy since he was 4 and is now 6 and in kindergarten.  He is doing awesome!  Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll help in any way I can.

[RockRose]

Yep,  sounds like tactile defensiveness.  I think you should let her wear what she wants to wear - even if it's not seasonal.    

I had a son who wore tight jeans,  a tight shirt that buttoned at the collar and wrists,  and underneath all that a VERY tight set of cotton thermal underwear and cotton thermal undershirt.  

I think there's something soothing to the tights for her.  If she's comfortable,  it's okay.   For the summer though I wonder if she'd be more comfortable in tight bicycle shorts under her cotton dresses.