What’s a kid to do when they’re stuck in their own skin? That’s the question many parents of children with autism are asking. We all want our kids to feel comfortable, but it can be tough when your child is different and you have no idea how to make them that way. If you’re looking for ways to help your child express themselves in a positive manner, then consider getting them one or more of these autism apparels.
Autism apparel is not just about making sure your kid feels comfortable and confident; it’s also an opportunity to teach your child about the world around them. And while we don’t know what causes autism, it’s clear that it affects the brain in some way. By wearing autism-friendly clothing, you can show your child that the world isn’t as scary as they may think it is. This will go a long way towards helping them learn to accept themselves as well as others.
It’s also important to remember that there are other things to consider when choosing autism clothing. The first thing a person needs to ask him or herself before picking out any item of clothing is: “Does this look good?” While some people might find a particular style of shirt or pants too formal, most people who wear clothing would rather choose something that looks nice than something that doesn’t. It’s a matter of personal preference.
But if you’re still having trouble deciding whether or not your autistic child should wear clothing, try using this guide to help decide which items are best. There are plenty of choices for boys and girls, so take a look at the following list of autism apparel and see which ones you like best:
Tee Shirts & Tank Tops
For many kids on the spectrum, shirts and tanks are a staple part of their wardrobe. They’re easy enough to get on and off, and they allow your child to feel more secure while keeping their hands free. Some people prefer to pair a tee with shorts, while others simply choose to wear a tank top under their clothes. Whatever suits your child best, this type of clothing is great for casual days at school or play dates.
Hoodies
While hooded sweatshirts are often associated with winter, most kids with autism love these items year round. They provide warmth, help keep their body temperature even, and can help regulate their breathing.
A person can choose the autism t-shirts that even contain the hoodie. This will be the best option for the people specially in summers. The main motive of the people is to work in the effective manner and reach the goals. A person can plan to choose the best color of the t-shirts so that they can reach the goals.
Shorts
If you have a boy who likes to dress up, he’ll probably enjoy wearing shorts. They’re comfortable, easy to put on and remove, offer the same level of security as t-shirts, and aren’t as formal as jeans. While shorts are generally considered to be more informal than pants, this rule has exceptions. For example, short skirts are acceptable for certain occasions such as going trick or treating.
Pants
The number of options when it comes to pants is endless. Most kids like to wear pants because they tend to stay tucked in, allowing them to move freely during playtime. Pants can also be worn with socks and shoes to create a uniform look, which many autistic individuals appreciate. Of course, the length of pants is another consideration. A pair of baggy jeans won’t necessarily work for everyone. You’ll need to pick pants that fit well, but still allow your child to move freely.
Dresses
There are dresses suitable for every occasion, from formal events to casual outings with friends. Just like pants, dresses come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll need to decide how much coverage your child prefers. Dresses are also great for older kids who want to express themselves by wearing something more appropriate for their age group.
Skirts & Jeans
Like pants, skirts and jeans can be paired together to create a uniform look. Skirts are usually shorter than jeans, though if your child wants to show off his legs, he can wear longer dresses or skirts instead. Jeans are a versatile option because they’re easy to wash, dry quickly, and are comfortable to wear.
Sweaters
Some autistic children have difficulty being warm, while others are cold all the time. Sweaters are a wonderful solution for those who want to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day. They can also be used to help regulate breathing and reduce anxiety.
Fur/Leather Jackets
Fur jackets are perfect for colder climates where temperatures dip below freezing. Leather jackets are great for protecting against the elements. If your child loves to play outside, it’s important to keep him warm. Not only does this help prevent hypothermia, it allows him to feel safe and secure in the outdoors.
Accessories
When it comes to accessories, the sky is literally the limit. Headbands, scarves, gloves, hats, and sunglasses are all great options when it comes to adding flair to your child’s outfit. Some people will only wear headbands or hats when they’re playing sports, while others will wear them every day. Whichever accessory you choose, make sure it complements whatever you’ve chosen to wear.
This list was just a small sample of the many types of clothing available for children with autism. With so many options, there’s bound to be one you can agree on with your child. But if you want to make sure you choose the right piece of clothing, here are a few tips for finding the best autism apparel for him or her:
- Choose pieces that match and complement each other. If your child tends to change outfits frequently, it’s best to stick to one color scheme. Otherwise, your child could end up wearing the same outfit over and over again.
- Avoid loud patterns or colors that stand out. Bright colors often draw attention away from an autistic child, so you’ll want to avoid anything that draws unwanted attention.
- Consider the weather. When it gets hot outside, it’s harder to stay cool, especially if your child is sensitive to heat. To combat this problem, consider wearing light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight away from your child’s face.
- Remember that the goal isn’t to make your child uncomfortable. So while certain styles can cause problems, the goal is to make him or her more comfortable. Your autistic child shouldn’t have to worry about fitting into society. So if you can find autism apparel that makes him or her feel comfortable, you’re doing your job.
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of autism clothing, consider checking out these other helpful resources for your child.
Tips on How to Dress a Child Who Does Not Like Clothing
Some children with autism cannot tolerate being touched or having their clothing altered, while others will wear only one type of clothing. Regardless of whether your child enjoys dressing himself or herself, there are several strategies that you can use to ensure that he or she looks presentable.
- Start Early
A lot of people believe that it’s easier to start teaching your child to dress himself or herself when he or she is younger. This is true, but you also run the risk of making your child feel embarrassed. Instead, wait until your child is old enough to understand the concept of clothing — maybe even middle school. At this point, he or she will already have developed some self-control.
- Make Dressing Fun
You can use fun activities to encourage your child to dress himself or herself. Try putting together a game to help your child practice folding his or her clothes neatly. Or, set aside a special area in your home for your child to store his or her clothes. Your child will begin to associate dressing with a sense of pride, and will soon become accustomed to the process.
- Use Visuals
Visual cues are another strategy for encouraging your child to dress himself or herself. Place pictures of yourself and members of your family dressed in various outfits on either side of your bed. Then, whenever your child wakes up, he or she will automatically associate dressing with waking up. In addition to visual cues, you can also place books or videos in your child’s room that demonstrate proper clothing etiquette.