The child who avoids ordinary sensations or seeks excessive stimulation, whose body is uncooperative, whose behavior is difficult, and who doesn't "fit in" is our out-of-sync child. For instance, he may have a tantrum because the tag in his shirt scratches his skin-or he may not notice that his pants are on backward." The Out-of-Sync Child Has FunOne thing many parents notice with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID) kids is that they have a terrible time transitioning from season to season. My younger son, who has the diagnosis of severe SID, really struggles as the clothes are changed to be appropriate for each season. It can take him half of each season to figure out which of his clothes are comfortable and this process is really stressful.
We are very blessed because a friend of the family hands down all of their son's clothes to us. This is great because it can take 20 outfits to find eight comfortable ones. Each year is a bit different. Sometimes cotton is the way to go, and other years he does well with the satin-type sports pants. The only thing that has been consistent is his dislike of denim. Because we are so blessed with clothes, and I can never figure out what he will wear, his drawers look like this part of each season (half long sleeve shirts and long pants and half short sleeve shirts and shorts).
After watching and asking "how does that feel on you?" for a few weeks, I can sort his clothes and get him down to a manageable dresser. This afternoon, he and I sorted his clothes and determined which were uncomfortable. Those were put away for another year or to put in a consignment shop. The reject pile was very large this season.
What I have not figured out is why the texture of clothing changes year to year. Why is it that sometimes he can only deal with cotton and at other times he wants only sweatpants? There is still so much to learn about this. But at least for now, everything in his dresser is comfortable, and his room is neat and manageable once again.
Blessings, Dawn
Wow what a challenge. I am so glad you are so blessed with excess so that way you can find what you really need. Did you all enjoy the duct tape videos ? Or were they to corny ? [0=
ReplyDeleteBlessings in Him<
-Mary
What a blessing that you are so intune to this child. Understanding and willing to work through it all. He is a blessed child!!!!
ReplyDeleteI need to find that book. I think it will be helpful in the many things we do in ministry.
You do such a great job at working with your kids sensory issues. It's a challenge, isn't it? I could relate to the clothing during season changes. We have seen great improvement in that area and not it seems to be less of an issue for Daniel than it was when he used to have to wear 3 long sleeved shirts and a tie every day.
ReplyDelete((((Dawn)))) Hugs to you. Hope you find the answer to your questions. I wish I could offer help, but sending hugs instead.
Blessings
Leslie