Introduction
Clothing sensitivities, characterized by aversions to certain textures, seams, and tags that cause discomfort or distress, are often seen in children with sensory processing disorders or conditions such as autism and ADHD, and can significantly impact daily life. If you or your child struggle with certain fabrics, tags, or clothing textures, you’re not alone. Understanding and managing these sensitivities can dramatically improve comfort and quality of life.
What Are Clothing Sensitivities?
Tactile sensitivity, also known as tactile defensiveness, is a sensory processing difference where individuals experience heightened reactions to touch sensations. Research indicates that 5-13% of children aged 4-6 years experience sensory processing disorders, with tactile sensitivity being a common manifestation.
Tactile defensiveness is a term used by occupational therapists to describe hypersensitivity to touch. Individuals who experience touch sensitivity often say they are more bothered by things that touch their skin than others. Sensitivity may occur with food textures, clothing or fabric textures, self-care tasks, and receiving a hug or kiss.
Common Signs of Clothing Sensitivities
All of these clothing preferences might be a red flag related to a clothing sensitivity and sensory processing issues. We might all have a sensory issue with clothing at one time or another… Do you hate certain fabrics? Or do turtleneck sweaters itch and scratch? Maybe the tightness of yoga pants around your waist is aggravating. All of us, at one time or another, have probably experienced some preference or sensory issue with clothing, whether it’s the tightness, the fabric, or something else.
Red flags to watch for include:
- Extreme reactions to clothing tags or seams
- Preference for only one type of fabric texture
- Difficulty wearing weather-appropriate clothing
- Meltdowns during dressing time
- Avoidance of certain clothing items entirely
The Science Behind Texture Aversions
Recent neuroimaging studies using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) have revealed altered white matter integrity in posterior brain regions among individuals with sensory processing differences. This biological basis helps explain why texture aversions aren’t simply ‘preferences’ but genuine neurological responses.
Jean Ayres thought that the brains of children and adults with tactile defensiveness interpret ordinary touch sensations, such as clothing textures or hugs, as a threat. Their brains pay more attention to light touch sensations than the brains of children without touch sensitivity. This helps to explain the behaviours that are seen in children or adults with tactile defensiveness.
Who Is Affected by Clothing Sensitivities?
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Tactile sensitivity is commonly observed in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many individuals with ASD may experience difficulty processing and integrating tactile sensory information, leading to tactile defensiveness. This can manifest as an aversion or hypersensitivity to certain textures, clothing, or physical contact.
ADHD Connection
Sensory Processing Disorder is common among people with ADHD, to the point that in 2019 researchers called for “sensory over-responsivity” to be part of the diagnosis criteria. Web MD notes that 40% of children with symptoms of “either ADHD or SPD had symptoms of both.” Unfortunately, the symptoms of ADHD worsen the effects of SPD and vice versa. For example, people with ADHD struggle to regulate their emotions and actions, and the intense emotions caused by sensory overloads make this more difficult.
Beyond Neurodivergent Populations
However, this type of hypersensitivity is not exclusive to individuals with autism, so you may find that focusing on finding sensory-friendly fabric for clothing and bedding materials adds a layer of comfort and calm for the whole family. However, this type of hypersensitivity is not exclusive to individuals with autism, so you may find that focusing on finding sensory-friendly fabric for clothing and bedding materials adds a layer of comfort and calm for the whole family.
Practical Management Strategies
Clothing Modifications
Strategies include removing clothing tags, opting for seamless clothing and underwear, turning items inside out to avoid direct seam contact with the skin, and allowing individuals to choose clothing that feels comfortable to them. Strategies include removing clothing tags, opting for seamless clothing and underwear, turning items inside out to avoid direct seam contact with the skin, and allowing individuals to choose clothing that feels comfortable to them.
Quick clothing fixes:
- Cut out all clothing tags
- Choose tagless options when shopping
- Turn garments inside out to minimize seam contact
- Look for flat or minimal seams
- Select looser-fitting clothing when appropriate
Fabric Selection
Opting for soft, breathable materials like organic cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics can reduce sensory discomfort. Studies suggest that accommodating fabric preferences can enhance sensory experiences and reduce distress.
Furthermore, participants’ preferred soft and comfortable textures, like satin; previous research also reporting that autistic individuals enjoy touching soft and smooth textures (Cascio et al., 2012). Notably, participants’ showed sensory-soothing behaviors towards their favorite fabrics and reported being fascinated when they identified new soft fabric that they felt pleasing.
Recommended fabric types:
- Organic cotton
- Bamboo fiber
- Modal
- Soft jersey knits
- Moisture-wicking synthetic blends
Temperature Regulation
Layering clothing options allows for flexibility in adapting to temperature changes throughout the day. Lightweight layers that can be easily adjusted or removed provide comfort and prevent overheating or discomfort.
Professional Treatment Approaches
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a potential treatment for sensory issues in children, as therapists assist children in practicing activities they may avoid due to sensory problems. OT interventions are tailored to the specific needs of the individual and may involve sensory integration techniques, play-based activities, and environmental modifications. Therapists may also collaborate with teachers to support a child’s sensory needs in the classroom.
Occupational therapists play a crucial role in assessing and treating tactile sensitivity, using evidence-based approaches to develop personalised management strategies and help individuals better integrate sensory experiences into daily life.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy combines occupational and physical therapy techniques to help individuals appropriately respond to their senses and develop more typical responses to sensory experiences. This therapy aims to address the underlying sensory processing difficulties by providing controlled sensory input.
Deep Pressure Techniques
Weighted items, such as weighted blankets and vests, apply steady pressure and can help individuals find comfort and relaxation. The appropriate weight for weighted products varies depending on the individual’s age, with small children starting at approximately five pounds and older children at approximately eight pounds for effective treatment.
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment
At Home Strategies
Using a towel after bath time or a blanket upon waking up before changing from pajamas to daytime clothing, spend time either rubbing your child’s extremities vigorously or wrapping your child up for a tight hold. Who doesn’t love a good burrito?!
School and Public Spaces
By employing informed strategies, engaging professional support like occupational therapy, and tailoring clothing choices to individual sensitivities, parents can significantly alleviate daily challenges faced by their children. Encouraging exploration, providing empowering choices, and fostering a patient, empathetic environment will lead to a more comfortable and harmonious dressing experience for sensory-sensitive children.
When to Seek Professional Help
The red flags listed below don’t necessarily mean that a child has a sensory processing disorder, only that a more intense look at the child might be needed. If a child seems to have a number of clothing sensitivities, a full evaluation by an occupational therapist may be needed.
Consider professional evaluation if:
- Clothing sensitivities interfere with daily activities
- Multiple sensory issues are present
- Behavioral concerns arise from clothing challenges
- Quality of life is significantly impacted
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Building Understanding
A child who refuses to wear a scratchy shirt or sleep under a polyester blanket is not being difficult; they may be dealing with a sensory system unable to process texture and the feel of fabric on their skin in a typical way.
Practical Shopping Tips
- Feel before you buy – Always test fabric textures
- Involve the individual – Let them participate in clothing selection
- Keep successful brands – Stick with what works
- Buy multiples – When you find something that works, stock up
- Research sensory-friendly brands – Many companies now specialize in adaptive clothing
Conclusion
By incorporating coping strategies into daily routines, individuals with tactile defensiveness can better manage their sensitivity to touch and improve their ability to engage in various activities. Remember, everyone’s experience with tactile defensiveness is unique, and it’s essential to work with healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists, to develop a personalized plan that addresses individual needs and goals. With the right management strategies and coping techniques, individuals with tactile defensiveness can navigate their sensory challenges more effectively.
Understanding and addressing clothing sensitivities takes patience, but with the right strategies and professional support when needed, individuals can find comfort and confidence in their daily clothing choices.
References
- Clothes, Sensory Experiences and Autism: Is Wearing the Right Fabric Important? – PMC
- Tactile Sensitivity: A Research-Backed Guide to Understanding Texture Aversions
- What is Tactile Defensiveness or Touch Sensory Sensitivity? – Griffin OT
- How to address sensory aversions to clothing – Mastermind Behavior
- Clothing Sensitivity Red Flags – The OT Toolbox
