Helping Your Child Get Dressed

Getting dressed in the same place each day can help your child develop a routine and can help manage expectations. Helping your child organise their clothes prior to putting them on helps to engage them and gives them a sense of independence. Point out the front and back every time your child puts a piece of clothing on. Look for a pattern on the front and/or tag on the back to help.

Give your child verbal cues by talking your child through the steps, no matter how small. Try using physical cues such as putting your hands over your child's to help them get dressed. Demonstrate and model putting your clothes on at the same time as your child to show them the correct structure and process to follow. It may also be beneficial to try visual cues like a picture chart with a sequence to follow.

A good way to teach your child how to get dressed is to break down each task into small steps. You can teach them the last step first (this technique is called backward chaining). Once they can do the last step of the task, teach them the second-to-last step, then the third-to-last step, and so on. This will help to build their confidence and self-esteem.

These strategies and activities can help to relax the nervous system, working towards reducing your child’s exaggerated responses to sensory input. Observe your child when completing these. Stop if your child becomes anxious or distressed.

Teach the last part of the activity first such as pulling the T-shirt down over the body. Then teach the second last and third last activity e.g. putting your arms in the sleeves and then putting your head in.

Dress the child in front of a mirror to help them to develop their body awareness and with motor planning.

Consider the position that your child gets dressed in. Sitting on the floor, on a chair, or the bed can reduce the balance and postural control demand.

For garments that go on the top half, lay them on a table, bed, or floor, face down, with the bottom nearest your child. Encourage your child to put their arms in first so they can see what they are doing and then pop it over their head.

For items of clothing that go on the bottom half, lay these on the floor face up with the top closest to the child. Have your child sit down, then they can grip the waistband and push their legs into the garment.

• 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!