Sensory issues with school uniform

My 15 year old daughter has high functioning autism and has always had sensory issues with clothing such as not liking certain fabrics, seams, etc. Recently she has developed a patch on her neck which has become super-sensitive during the last few days preventing her from wearing her school polo shirt. The patch does look a little inflamed, but although various creams seem to have calmed it down visually, she still goes into meltdown when she tries on her polo shirt. Because of this she won't go into school and although she would be allowed to adapt her uniform to reduced the sensitivity, she still refuses to go because she would look different from the other girls and she is extremely self-conscious.

It would be great to hear from anyone else who has had a similar problem or has any ideas on what might help this situation.

Parents
  • Pinklady said:

     she still refuses to go because she would look different from the other girls and she is extremely self-conscious.

    Females with ASVs often try to imitate their supposed peers in an attempt to make friends and to fit in, often with limited success. Can you work to affirm her self-esteem so she doesn't feel the need to make of herself a clone of those around her? In particular, if you could get her to accept that her autism is a differance not an inferiority, she might be able to be more accepting of her difference, return to school unbothered by looking a little different...able to say "I'm not wearing my jumper because it makes my neck itch..."

Reply
  • Pinklady said:

     she still refuses to go because she would look different from the other girls and she is extremely self-conscious.

    Females with ASVs often try to imitate their supposed peers in an attempt to make friends and to fit in, often with limited success. Can you work to affirm her self-esteem so she doesn't feel the need to make of herself a clone of those around her? In particular, if you could get her to accept that her autism is a differance not an inferiority, she might be able to be more accepting of her difference, return to school unbothered by looking a little different...able to say "I'm not wearing my jumper because it makes my neck itch..."

Children
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