What this section is about
Explain support needed with choosing clothes, tolerating clothes, getting dressed, school uniform, shoes, socks, weather-appropriate clothing and changing clothes.
Avoid saying
- They are fussy with clothes.
- They refuse uniform.
- They only like certain clothes.
Better ways to explain
- My child has sensory sensitivities that make certain clothing feel painful or intolerable.
- They require adult support to choose appropriate clothing for weather, school and safety.
- Dressing can trigger distress, refusal or meltdown.
Example wording
My child needs adult support with dressing due to sensory sensitivities, anxiety and difficulty tolerating certain fabrics, seams, labels or tight clothing. They may refuse clothing that feels uncomfortable and require repeated reassurance, negotiation and prompting before leaving the house.
Evidence that helps
- report
- Sensory profile
- School uniform adjustments
- Photographs of adapted clothing, if relevant
- Parent diary
Common mistakes
- Calling it fussiness
- Forgetting sensory pain
- Forgetting school refusal linked to uniform
- Forgetting weather safety
- Forgetting time taken each morning
Part of the Bright Steps Ultimate Guide. For the full interactive walkthrough with printable templates, sign in and visit the DLA Guide.