Desperate for help - sensory clothing nightmare. Daughter can't get dressed

DD (10) has always had sensory issues but it's become so unmanageable in the last few months. I don't know whether it's the added pressures of year 5 (which she finds hard) or the onset of puberty, but it's a daily struggle to get her dressed. Weekends are no better than school days. It's taking 2 hours of hysterical crying to get her dressed at the moment. It's like she's having a panic attack because she finds everything so uncomfortable. Pants seem to be the biggest trigger. We keep missing the start of school as a result. On Sunday she had to miss her friend's birthday party as she just couldn't get dressed and was so distressed.

We're at our wits end. We've got rid of all her clothes and started again with ultra soft pants (in every style), seamless socks and clothes that she has approved as comfortable. But still, every morning is the same.

I've tried putting on relaxing music and giving her a deep pressure massage before dressing, but that isn't working.

If anyone has got any tips at all, I'd be very grateful. We're due to go on holiday next week and I have visions of us having to cancel as we can't get her to the airport on time....

Parents
  • Reading Martin's post. When my son was at school, on days he was stressed he could not get his trousers on as there would be an issue with them. Personally I definitely have more issues around sensitivity with clothes at times I am stressed.

    I note you are going on holiday next week and wonder if the thought of going away is causing anxiety. 

Reply
  • Reading Martin's post. When my son was at school, on days he was stressed he could not get his trousers on as there would be an issue with them. Personally I definitely have more issues around sensitivity with clothes at times I am stressed.

    I note you are going on holiday next week and wonder if the thought of going away is causing anxiety. 

Children
  • Thanks Homebird. If the holiday is causing anxiety, is there anything we can do to help her with it? I asked her how she felt about the holiday and she said she was excited but worried she was going to ruin it for everyone