Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
This is my first post as my daughter aged 17 is at the beginning of her journey for official diagnosis for what I've suspected for some time for asd/ Aspergers.
My question though, is if anyone has heard of sensory problems regarding socks and gloves rubbing together? She can normally wear socks but only while they serve the purpose of feet being in shoes. As soon as the shoes are off, so are the socks. However if another person rubs their feet or gloved hands together it will set my daughter off into an hysterical meltdown. It doesn't happen with jumpers or any other clothing. Just socks and gloves. She's getting worse and now avoiding wearing socks herself.
Many thanks.
Hi whiteoty, you may find it useful to have a look at our sensory differences guide: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences/sensory-differences. I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Anna Mod
My daughter has a similar problem, though I can't figure out exactly what she doesn't like. She refuses to wear socks, and can't explain what she doesn't like about socks. When I try to put socks on her, she just screams. How did you solve your problem?
The same lad I mentioned is very sensitive to other people's actions and will often 'adjust' your posture if he doesn't like the way you're standing. Taking hands off hips, for example. Also, if you whistle or yawn in his presence, it can trigger extreme anxiety. I'm sure these things are all linked, in some way or other.
Thank you, yes I do believe it's sensory but I've not come across anyone with the sock issue before. We have to be very cautious not to foot rub infront of her.
It could be a fixation with hands and feet. I'm an Aspie, and I get fixated by people's feet. I'm obsessed with foot deformities, and it can actually affect the way I feel about the person. Very odd, I know. I don't fully understand the reasons for it.
Hi there,
From my experience, the socks issue is a common thing. I work with a highly-autistic lad who refuses to wear anything other than t-shirts and jogging bottoms - though he can be persuaded to put a coat on when going out. Winter and summer, that's all he'll wear. No underwear, no layers - and definitely no socks. All he'll wear on his feet is Crocs or flip-flops. In summer, he's often barefoot. We haven't been able to fully establish the reasons, though sensory is definitely a factor.
The rubbing together by other people could also be sensory because of the sound it makes. For her, it might be like our response to someone drawing their fingernails across a blackboard, or chalk squeaking, etc. Several of the people I work with have similar issues with fabrics.
Thank you, yes I believe it is the sound but to me it doesn't sound any different to any other bit of fabric yet it's only socks and gloves that bothers her so much.
Do you know if it is the sound of them rubbing together that bothers her or something else? I ask because I am very sensitive to certain high pitched sounds....sweeping water with a broom on a hard surface like concrete is like nails down a blackboard to me and have to cover me ears up quickly!