07 MAY 2025
For some neurodivergent children, getting dressed can feel overwhelming. Challenges with motor skills, sensory sensitivities, or following steps can make this everyday task more difficult. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips, sensory-friendly strategies, and confidence-building routines to support your child.
Ensure of a consistent routine
Offer cues
Small steps
Breaking tasks down into manageable steps
Practice in front of a mirror
Different positions
Techniques
Helpful, takeaway tips to try
- Reduce noise and light levels (turn off the radio, TV, and lights) to minimise distraction and to focus on the task at hand
- Organise drawers and closets to help enable your child to choose their own clothing
- Organise clothing the night before and lay the clothing out
- It is easier to learn how to undress first. Let them practice taking clothes off before dressing themselves
- If your child is struggling it can be tempting to take over - don't! Give your child time to work it out for themselves. It is often better to practice when you are not in a rush
- Loose-fitting clothing is easier to manage than tight-fitting clothing
- Choose shoes with velcro closures and add velcro to button-backs, and hoops to zips, for children who have fine motor difficulties
- Transitions for seasonal wear may take time: discuss it, prepare for it, and use social stories to explain
- Your child may find the smell, or feel of clothing uncomfortable or distracting. They may also find the act of being dressed difficult. Try to be a sensory detective
- Be conscious of the feel of materials, buying clothing that you know your child will like. They may prefer softer fabrics like fleece rather than rigid items like denim
- Cut labels out of clothing
- Wash and dry clothing in unscented detergent and fabric softener
- Dry clothing in a dryer if possible to decrease stiffness fo clothes
- Be aware of patterns in fabrics and distractions the patterns may cause
- If your child has sensitive feet, have them wear socks inside out and wash shoes to make them soft prior to wearing them. Massage their feet before putting socks and shoes on
- Take your time and be consistent. Learning a new skill takes time. Practice, practice, practice!