Staying Warm this Year
If you have a child with special needs in your life then you know the struggle of getting them to appropriately bundle up in the winter to protect them from the cold! Children, and adults, with autism have an increased sensitivity to different textures and layers. Puffer coats and thermal underwear (long johns) can also be uncomfortable for children with increased sensitivity, and won’t fit over braces, wheelchairs, etc. How do you get around this as a parent, friend, family member, or caretaker?
1.Make a game of it!
Make sure your children are a part of the clothes choosing process and make it interactive for them! This gives your child an opportunity to learn how to choose for themselves, and assure that they are choosing the clothes they will be comfortable (and warm) in! If your child is in a wheelchair or has braces that make traditional coats difficult, there are ponchos and capes/buntings that may be perfect for you! Check out this blog for more tips on how to do this, and how it has helped this mom!
2. Social stories
A social story is a narrative made to illustrate certain situations and problems and how people deal with them. Creating and sharing these stories help children with autism understand the social norms that are happening around them, and give them important informational cues on how to communicate with others. -Making a fun story will not only get them excited for their winter outfits but are fun to do, and a learning opportunity.
3. Fabric IS important
Because so many children with special needs are sensitive to different textures (wool being one of them) finding warm accessories can be difficult! While fleece is the usual go-to because of its softness, it’s nowhere near as warm as wool. If your child can handle yarn fiber, (just not the scratchiness of wool) there are very fine natural yarns like alpaca and cashmere that are not only silky soft but incredibly warm! Although these accessories can be more expensive, it is definitely worth investing in as your child gets older.
4. No tags, no problem.
Removing the tags, and finding looser (although not baggy) clothes with loose collars/sleeves can save you a lot of trouble when convincing your child to dress for the weather. Read more about how to work around these sensory issues when choosing clothing here!
5. Don’t forget the feet!
While it’s hard to get some kids into their sweaters and puffers, there’s no denying that the footwear is its own unique issue. Pull on boots are hard for children with special needs to put on, and laces are a big no for many families with children who have limited or difficulties with motor skills. Thankfully, many companies are opening their eyes to the struggles of children with special needs. For footwear specifically, Zappos has launched Zappos Adaptive where brands like Nike, Ugg, and Toms have created shoes modified for increased accessibility. If you’re having trouble getting long, wool socks, or long johns, then leg warmers are a great option! Because they are not directly against their skin, the fabric may be easier for them to accept and keep them warm.
6. Hands, hands, hands
Our hands are some of the first things to get unbearably cold in the winter. Unfortunately, most people with special needs hate having their hands ‘trapped’ or stuck in a glove or mitten (and that's once you find one made out of a fabric they’re ok with). However, this is hardly an issue anymore! We have gloves, fingerless gloves, glove puppets for kids, and even thumbless mittens to make them more comfortable for those who rely on their hands to fidget and feel connected.
We hope some of these tips are helpful and keep yourself and your family safe and warm!