My daughter thinks all her clothes are too tight (Sensory Integration Disorder, 13 year old, kids)
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Thank you everyone for the thoughts. It's not just her underwear, it's dresses, pants and shirts. It's strange because sometimes it's a problem and sometimes it's not which why I tend to think it's just a phase. We've tried to accommodate with the looser clothes to the point of them falling off of her, but it gets us through the day.
I was just introduced to the different kind of underwear so that is a great point. I was also curious about if this is something sensory where she would need some sort of therapy but it seems like the majority doesn't think so. I'm not sure what "OT" stands for. Last week she had a church dress on and stretched it when she had it on to the point of ruining it, but didn't say anything when she put the dress on so it might be something that causes a reaction (It drives me nuts) and she's using the tightness thing to get attention.
She has school uniforms and has quit wearing the skirts / leggings combo and just wears the dresses with shorts under them. The shorts seem like they're going to fall off. It used to bother me that she wears the same thing every day but now I've grown used to it and think next year she'll just have dresses and plenty of "up sizes" for shorts.
Sensory, definitely. You just have to keep experimenting.
My youngest has rejected many many many pairs of underwear over the years. She has NEVER worn a turtle neck. Screamed like a banshee when I tried to put one on her. She's 14 now and wears her tops baggy and loose.
I'm 47 and I wear my underwear inside out because the seams bother me. there are very few tags left in my clothes.
That brings back memories. My daughter used to wear only one style & one brand of underwear when she was in elementary school. As an adult, she will often try out different styles, brands & types of underwear and when she finds one that feels right she will buy a dozen pair.
Oops, I just realized that I have worn the same brand & style of underwear for at least the last fifteen years. Perhaps it is genetic?
Last edited by germaine2626; 04-26-2015 at 08:41 AM..
Thank you everyone for the thoughts. It's not just her underwear, it's dresses, pants and shirts. It's strange because sometimes it's a problem and sometimes it's not which why I tend to think it's just a phase. We've tried to accommodate with the looser clothes to the point of them falling off of her, but it gets us through the day.
I was just introduced to the different kind of underwear so that is a great point. I was also curious about if this is something sensory where she would need some sort of therapy but it seems like the majority doesn't think so. I'm not sure what "OT" stands for. Last week she had a church dress on and stretched it when she had it on to the point of ruining it, but didn't say anything when she put the dress on so it might be something that causes a reaction (It drives me nuts) and she's using the tightness thing to get attention.
She has school uniforms and has quit wearing the skirts / leggings combo and just wears the dresses with shorts under them. The shorts seem like they're going to fall off. It used to bother me that she wears the same thing every day but now I've grown used to it and think next year she'll just have dresses and plenty of "up sizes" for shorts.
OT stands for Occupational Therapy. Often children with sensory issues work with occupational therapists to help deal with the issue.
It may be a phase, it may be for attention or it may be a sensory issue. However, you seem to be dealing with it well.
Continue to watch for a pattern. Does it happen with all fabrics or just some fabrics? Does it happen with tags, or lace or itchy/scratchy things? Is it a bigger problem on certain days or when she is going to certain places? Is it the same clothes that always bother her or can she wear that outfit one day and it is OK and the next day it is a huge problem? Does the weather make a difference? Is it worse on hot, sticky days or on rainy day, or no difference? Is her skin extra sensitive? Is her skin dry and the clothes irritates it? Is it just clothes or socks and hats, too? Does she have other sensory issues such as not liking certain textures in food or not liking to touch playdough, fingerpaint, sand or grass?
If it continues to be a problem, any patterns that you figure out will be helpful to "get a handle" on the situation.
Good luck.
Last edited by germaine2626; 04-26-2015 at 08:59 AM..
Thank you everyone for the thoughts. It's not just her underwear, it's dresses, pants and shirts. It's strange because sometimes it's a problem and sometimes it's not which why I tend to think it's just a phase. We've tried to accommodate with the looser clothes to the point of them falling off of her, but it gets us through the day.
I was just introduced to the different kind of underwear so that is a great point. I was also curious about if this is something sensory where she would need some sort of therapy but it seems like the majority doesn't think so. I'm not sure what "OT" stands for. Last week she had a church dress on and stretched it when she had it on to the point of ruining it, but didn't say anything when she put the dress on so it might be something that causes a reaction (It drives me nuts) and she's using the tightness thing to get attention.
She has school uniforms and has quit wearing the skirts / leggings combo and just wears the dresses with shorts under them. The shorts seem like they're going to fall off. It used to bother me that she wears the same thing every day but now I've grown used to it and think next year she'll just have dresses and plenty of "up sizes" for shorts.
OT = occupational therapist. They can evaluate and treat someone with sensory processing disorder. If she also does things like avoid getting her hands dirty, avoiding messy play like finger painting, gets upset in large groups of people, or doesn't like bright light or loud noises, for example, she might be a sensory avoider.
My son, on the other hand, is a sensory seeker. He loves tight clothes, loves spinning in circles, loves lights and sounds. It is also possible to have a little of both avoidance and seeking tendencies.
Thank you everyone for the thoughts. It's not just her underwear, it's dresses, pants and shirts. It's strange because sometimes it's a problem and sometimes it's not which why I tend to think it's just a phase. We've tried to accommodate with the looser clothes to the point of them falling off of her, but it gets us through the day.
I was just introduced to the different kind of underwear so that is a great point. I was also curious about if this is something sensory where she would need some sort of therapy but it seems like the majority doesn't think so. I'm not sure what "OT" stands for. Last week she had a church dress on and stretched it when she had it on to the point of ruining it, but didn't say anything when she put the dress on so it might be something that causes a reaction (It drives me nuts) and she's using the tightness thing to get attention.
She has school uniforms and has quit wearing the skirts / leggings combo and just wears the dresses with shorts under them. The shorts seem like they're going to fall off. It used to bother me that she wears the same thing every day but now I've grown used to it and think next year she'll just have dresses and plenty of "up sizes" for shorts.
OT (occupational therapy). Its worth getting an evaluation if it is causing this much disruption in her day to day life. If she is pulling on her clothes, she isn't paying attention. Its really all about how much it is bothering her and interfering with her day to day life.
With the new info, I would personally get my child evaluated. She might not need actual therapy (although she might) but with the information you can learn how to help her work through it
I sympathize with your daughter. I can't stand the feel of synthetic fabrics against my skin. Or laces, or elastic. Try buying all cotton clothes for your daughter and make sure her underwear has cotton fabric sewn over the elastic bands at her waist and around the legs. Also make sure you remove itchy tags. She probably doesn't need therapy, just some relief from synthetic fabrics and materials.
Many kids have sensory issues. A common one is tags in the clothing. My son had to have every tag ripped out, would only wear sweats and t-shirts. He grew out of it. OT is definitely over the top.
Many kids have sensory issues. A common one is tags in the clothing. My son had to have every tag ripped out, would only wear sweats and t-shirts. He grew out of it. OT is definitely over the top.
It may or may not be. If you read the op's follow up post he talk about eh being frequently uncomfortortable in almost all clothing. That well distract her from learning and plan. She could be labeled adhd and medicated. An OT evaluation is easy enough to do. An hour for peace of mind.
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