Teaching a child with autism to put on clothes can be a challenging process but if you can teach them, it’s a rewarding feeling. Every 1 in 36 children in the US have autism and every parent wants these kids to be as independent as possible in daily tasks. Understanding and patience are key components in ensuring a successful learning experience. Below, we have outlined practical strategies that can help you support your child in developing the essential skill of putting on clothes.
1. Understand the Challenges
Children diagnosed with autism think differently and have their limitations in doing everyday tasks. But they are also great learners and you can start teaching them by understanding what challenges they face.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Some fabrics or clothing items might feel uncomfortable or overwhelming due to heightened sensory perceptions. It’s been seen in studies that children with autism have sensory challenges against different fabric types.
- Motor Skills: Fine motor skills required for tasks such as buttoning or zipping can be difficult for some children.
- Routine and Change: Deviations from established routines can cause distress, making the introduction of new activities like dressing challenging.
2. Break Down the Task
Divide the dressing process into small, manageable steps. For example, teach your child to:
- Pick out clothes: Let’s keep it as simple as possible. Choosing a simple outfit keeps it easy and comfortable for them.
- Identify front and back: Teach them how to distinguish between the front and back of clothing items.
- Put on underwear: Guide them through the process of putting on underwear first.
- Put on a shirt: Teach them to put their head through the neck hole, followed by each arm.
- Put on pants: Show them how to step into each leg one at a time and pull the pants up.
- Fasten buttons or zippers: Teach them the fine motor skills required for fastening clothing.
3. Use Visual Supports
Visual aids can be highly effective for children with autism. Consider using:
- Picture Schedules: Create a step-by-step visual guide showing the dressing process.
- Video Modeling: Record a video of someone (or yourself) dressing and show it to your child.
- Social Stories: Write a simple story about getting dressed, including illustrations and clear, concise language.
4. Practice and Repetition
Consistency is crucial. Practice dressing at the same time every day to create a routine. Repetition helps reinforce the learning process. Celebrate small successes to build confidence and encourage progress.
5. Offer Choices
Allowing your child to choose their clothes can increase their motivation to participate in dressing. Lay out two options and let them decide. This autonomy can make the process more enjoyable and empowering.
6. Provide Sensory-Friendly Clothing
Choose clothing that is comfortable and free from irritating tags or seams. The right fabric plays a vital role for the well-being of children with autism. Look for:
- Soft fabrics: Avoid rough or itchy materials.
- Loose fits: Tight clothing can be uncomfortable.
- Elastic waistbands: Easier to manage than buttons or zippers.
7. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator. Praise your child for their efforts and provide rewards, such as stickers or extra playtime, when they successfully complete a step in the dressing process.
8. Model and Assist
Demonstrate how to dress by modeling the behavior yourself. You can also provide hand-over-hand assistance, gently guiding their hands as they perform each step. Gradually reduce assistance as your child becomes more proficient.
9. Be Patient and Flexible
Every child learns at their own pace. Be patient and adjust your approach as needed. Some days may be more challenging than others, and that’s okay. Flexibility and understanding will help you and your child navigate this learning process together.
Final Word
At Opal, we understand the importance of supporting your child’s development with compassion and expertise. Our commitment to excellence in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) ensures that we provide the necessary tools and strategies to help your child thrive. By breaking down tasks, using visual supports, and offering positive reinforcement, we can help your child develop the skills needed to dress independently. Together, we can celebrate the incredible transformations and milestones in your child’s journey.
