Just put a name to our everday getting ready ordeal

[Frazzled Mom]

I am so relieved to have found this site.  I am at my wits end with my 8 year old daughter.  For years we have had daily battles getting ready for school, soccer and softball. My daughter is frustruated and cries while getting dressed every day. I have bought her every different kind of sock and underwear package out there.  In the past she would wear any stretchy pant and short sleeve t-shirt but not anymore.   I will take the advise of some and load up on fabric softeners and shop and thrift stores.  I need clothes that she will willingly wear now - does anyone have any other ideas?  Also should I take her to the doctor?  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[LynnS6]

Is she reacting to the feel of the clothing, or is she just not wanting to get dressed?

If it's the feel of the clothing, then I'd check out Sensory Processing Disorder:

http://www.sinetwork.org/about-sensory-processing-disorder.html

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/tactile-defensiveness.html

Two good books are: The Out of Sync Child and Sensational Kids. The first one is more of an introduction, and the second is more detailed. I like the second better, but if you're new to the whole idea, The Out of Sync Child is probably a better place to start.

The treatment for SPD is usually occupational therapy. The problem is whether or not your insurance will cover it. If your insurance won't, the Sensational Kids book has some good ideas for things you can do. Our insurance paid for it because ds also had accompanying motor planning problems (which partly contributed to his sensory issues because he couldn't tell where his body was in space).