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Keeping Clothes On. Does Anyone Else Have The Same Problem?

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Carrollton, GA

My 7 years old daughter takes off her clothes as soon as she gets home and only keeps her underwear on. It used to be a struggle to get her dressed for school or to go out, she finally understood that she cannot go out without clothes. It's a big frustation for all of us, but specially for her teenage brother because he doesn't want any of his friends to come to our house. And I don't blame him, it was cute and funny when she was 2 or 3 yrs old but know that she is 7 and he is a teenager is… read more

May 22, 2012
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A MyAutismTeam Member

My ds is 11 we had to establish clothing rules in our home when he was around the age of your dd. He used to run around completely naked.

We have some specially designed "for SPD kids" soft clothes and when he wears them he doesn't strip (but they aren't cheap). Maybe comfort clothing and conversations about when and when not to strip may be helpful. I'd not say clothed "all the time" because I think that might be too restrictive for a child who can feel every seem and tag in an outfit. As a seem hater myself I know that some clothing can actually cause me to have a bad mood (improper fit or tags that irritate).

We have clothing rules here (they are mounted on our hallway wall):
1. Must wear underwear outside of the bathroom at all times. (With a girl I might say underwear and a comfortable tag free undershirt.
2. Must be clothed (shirt/shorts) from 8 to 3 (school hours).
3. Must be clothed when the windows are open.
4. Must be clothed at the dining table.
5. Must be clothed when having company over.
6. If you are bringing company home you must call in advance so others can prepare.

*I plan on having this list mounted on ds college dorm wall when he gets there.

I think rule 6 would be great for your ds to help him realize that your dd has a right to be comfortable without the expense of embarrassment to him.

Well I hope this helps or at least you know you're not alone in the cloths battle.

May 26, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

Brink is 7 and still strips to his pull up. It could be worse I promise. My son saw a video where someone was talking with their belly. His pet project now is to run around trying to lift everyone's shirt so he can try to make their belly talk.

May 24, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

I know a lot of Autistic kids like this. My son was like this too but I never allowed it. I would just consistently made him put clothes back on. The key word is consistent. Unfortunately it'll be harder now since she's been taking off her clothes for several years.

I would start with figuring out what are her favorite clothes. Don't just have one set or she'll get rigid about that. Pick two or three sets, and just have her change into her "play" clothes when she gets home. Make a big deal about it and talk about how she's a big girl she gets play clothes. Give her reinforcers like candy or whatever when she puts them on (only initially). If she takes them off, have her put them back on. Be prepared to do this over and over again.

I'd also be on the lookout of what she doesn't like about clothes. Is it the labels? I cut off labels for my son. I also never make him wear sweaters. He likes cotton. There's no reason why our children should be uncomfortable in their clothes when there's so many great choices now.

May 22, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

One of my boys did this too. We gave 2-3 options for clothing (comfortable for him), and a rule about public places and guests. I picked a word to use consistently to reinforce the rule, I called it "appropriate" clothing, and "inappropriate" clothing. I don't know know why, but this works most of the time! He will still sometimes take off his clothes at home when he is mad, and go in the backyard. Both boys HATE to get dressed to leave the house. They would live in pj's or underwear if they could!

May 22, 2012
A MyAutismTeam Member

yep us to my 4 yr old ayden has been doing that for yrs cant keep anything on him just a diaper even when its cold he refuses to keep his clothes on.

May 22, 2012

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