Refusing to wear clothes

Please help, my non verbal 3 year old son who is diagnosed with ASD has not worn clothes or a nappy for almost 2 months. When I try to get him dressed he starts shaking in fear, he sweats and goes bright red screaming and crying. It’s got so bad that he does not even like the sight of clothes, even if I’m putting washing away.

I can’t leave the house and have no support. I also have a 2 year old.

can someone help by either giving advice for my son or pointing me in the direction of someone who can help.

also, is there any support from the council to have someone come to my home to help? 

I really don’t know who to turn to.

thank you.

Parents
  • All I can think is that he had really bad eczema which clothes caused more irritation. 
    that was a while back, and it has completely cleared up even before this.

  • OH. Then I would suggest you avoid anything with polyester or nylon. And perhaps buy something like Ecover Zero to wash his clothes in? (free of chemical scents). Eczema can be caused by dietary factors as well, so could be useful to get him allergy tested. My son had problems with it. But if it's cleared up after he stopped wearing clothes then it's probably detergent + man-made petroleum based fibres, which are everywhere!

    Companies which make 'sensory' friendly clothing are not always friendly - many sell clothing with polyesters, which are simply a fabric form of Plastic and made from petroleum. The human body cannot breathe in polyester - it's excellent for waterproofing. 

    I would try 100% Natural Cotton clothing against his skin. If you google "inexpensive organic children's clothes uk" you'll find tree based fabrics as well - bamboo or eucalyptus. These can actually cool the body down, and they're really soft. Good for warm weather. 

    For winter, cotton under 100% wool could be perfect (here again, blended wool with unnatural fibres still can cause problems). With children, they don't need much just enough for a week + a few days of clothes, so it could be good to focus on quality over quantity, especially with matters like eczema. 

    I've recommended this company to many individuals: https://www.cambridgebaby.co.uk/catalog/child/underwear/vests/childrens-long-sleeved-vest-top-in-organic-cotton?cPath=186_127&zenid=cglq3rn30dg1781furnrnu8rg6 

    Even if you can get him in cotton PJs it's a start!

Reply
  • OH. Then I would suggest you avoid anything with polyester or nylon. And perhaps buy something like Ecover Zero to wash his clothes in? (free of chemical scents). Eczema can be caused by dietary factors as well, so could be useful to get him allergy tested. My son had problems with it. But if it's cleared up after he stopped wearing clothes then it's probably detergent + man-made petroleum based fibres, which are everywhere!

    Companies which make 'sensory' friendly clothing are not always friendly - many sell clothing with polyesters, which are simply a fabric form of Plastic and made from petroleum. The human body cannot breathe in polyester - it's excellent for waterproofing. 

    I would try 100% Natural Cotton clothing against his skin. If you google "inexpensive organic children's clothes uk" you'll find tree based fabrics as well - bamboo or eucalyptus. These can actually cool the body down, and they're really soft. Good for warm weather. 

    For winter, cotton under 100% wool could be perfect (here again, blended wool with unnatural fibres still can cause problems). With children, they don't need much just enough for a week + a few days of clothes, so it could be good to focus on quality over quantity, especially with matters like eczema. 

    I've recommended this company to many individuals: https://www.cambridgebaby.co.uk/catalog/child/underwear/vests/childrens-long-sleeved-vest-top-in-organic-cotton?cPath=186_127&zenid=cglq3rn30dg1781furnrnu8rg6 

    Even if you can get him in cotton PJs it's a start!

Children
  • That’s really helpful, thank you. 
    I don’t want to cause him anymore stress by trying to get him dressed for a few more days, which means he’ll unfortunately miss my sisters wedding !

    ill look to purchase some of the clothes you have suggested and see what happens.

    i just want him to be happy. It’s just awful seeing him so upset.

    i really am grateful for you taking the time to give your advice. This feels so supportive taking on here.

    xx