Clothing sensitivity

I have tried everything and I'm reaching out for any suggestions or remedies. My 8 year old daughter cannot stand to wear underware. She was always like this and I've tried different fabrics and styles and she puts them on and pushes them down around her legs. Which defeats the purpose of wearing them. She can't go through life like this as she gets older. I hear a lot about tags, but never this - I have to believe somebody else out there has the same problem and may have a suggestion. She does have NVLD and we work with her on coping strategies for her social situations and work harder in the academics where needed. But, there isn't a place for this and her always feeling itchy. I do believe this distracts her from her work at school. Help.

If the real problem is itchyness, I would consider going to a fragrance free, dye free laundry detergent and do not use dryer sheets. They can cause sensitive areas to be itchy and not bother other areas. Also, change the bath soap, shampoo, or other products that your child uses at bath time. It almost seems that your child has linked underwear to itchyness.

OR she may just be a child who hates underwear. A friend's child was like that for many years. Eventually, she wore them.

It has just been mentioned to me that my daughter may have tactile defensiveness. She is 8 years old and we have major battles with her clothes every day! I had always put this down to my daughter being 'awkward'. She hates pants and any type of clothing that is the tiniest bit rough or restricting-it sends her into an angry tearful rage! She is also behind at school and it is suddenly making me wonder whether a big part of her day is being taken up thinking about how uncomfortable she feels, and how annoying her clothing is and stopping her from concentrating properly. Has anyone else experienced this?? I would appreciate any feedback or help on how best to deal with something i know so little about. Many thanks, vanessa.

The Out-Of-Sync Child is a very good book on Sensory issues. It is very important to get therapy to help your child learn to cope and be less reactive. http://www.out-of-sync-child.com/

http://www.sensorycomfort.com/Clothing.htm This company provides specialty clothing for kids who have sensory issues. They also have a great list of books, toys, etc.

Hope this helps.

scifinut mom to: ms 16, bp/adhd/anxiety/complex ld mr. 20, add/dyslexic I hear and I forget I see and I remember I do and I understand. -Anonymous

Yes, I agree with pp's. Both of my kids had tactile defensiveness and low muscle tone. They both had occupational therapy and have outgrown all the sensory issues. OT really does make a difference. My daughter couldn't stand lumpy socks. So, we put her socks on inside out so the seam is on the outside. Maybe you can try it with underwear, put it on inside out. I hope you find a solution to the underwear problem. Let us know what worked for her.

Annette