Back to School Tips for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

Back to school isn’t just about shopping and school supplies, it's also about preparation and setting your child up for success. Part of the rite of passage to the start of each school year is back-to-school clothes. Every family takes part in this ritual – some with excitement and joy, and others with of dread. Families whose children live with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) must tackle this task more than most. But following these tips will help you and your child succeed. Create an absolutely seamless routine, new school clothes your child won’t fight you to wear, and help your child have an irritation-free transition from summer to fall.

This is one of the easiest things you can do to help set your child up for success in the approaching school year. If possible, and if a new school, ask to take a tour. This will help your child to see and understand what the school looks like with minimal sensory distractions. Helping your child to feel comfortable in the environment they will be in can be a confidence boost for them. Sometimes teachers will be setting up their classrooms for the school year. If your child is comfortable introduce your child to the teacher and allow him or her to meet the teacher prior to the first day. This will not only help them find familiar and safe people but will also help you as the parent have peace of mind.

Create a morning routine for your child. Be sure to practice it before the beginning of the school year to work through anything that does not work for your child. Start by adjusting bedtime a month in advance to slowly ease your child into a new sleep routine.

As a part of your child’s routine, give your child time to get used to new clothes. If you have purchased new clothes for the upcoming school year, be sure to allow your child a transition period to adjust. Some clothes and shoes need to be broken in before they are comfortable to wear. Do your school shopping a few weeks to a month in advance. Once you have everything your child needs, allow your child to wear the new clothes for short periods of time leading up to the first day of school. This will help you learn if there are certain items of clothing that are uncomfortable or cause emotional regulation problems.

Allow your child to find comfort in the routine you are establishing. SPD children find comfort in their routine and having a sense of control over their day. Practice getting dressed. . Help them come up with comfortable outfits for the day. This will help mornings during the school year to go much more smoothly. Another reason to practice getting dressed is that you and your child will find there are some things that are more challenging children such as buttons, snaps, or zippers. Help them to work through these difficulties as they arise and determine if an item of clothing may be better suited for wearing at home.

When you take your child shopping for back-to-school clothes, make the day special and simple. Only you know your child’s limits, creating a day that will not push those limits will help them to feel comfortable in the clothes you both choose.

It might be helpful to do a little pre-shopping online before you head out to the stores. Then, take your child shopping with you. Let him select outfits that feel good and are comfortable. They may choose clothes that are loose-fitting or baggy. Or they may prefer things to fit more snuggly. They may prefer certain fabrics or fasteners. Resist the urge to select outfits of your choosing. As long as the clothes are school appropriate, your child will be more likely to wear them if he or she has selected them.

Most sensory parents will recommend seamless and tag-less clothes, those with no zippers, buttons, or buckles, and those that are extra soft. This especially goes for things like undergarments. Many children find SmartKnitKIDS seamless bralettes, undies for girls, and boxer briefs for boys to be more comfortable than traditional undergarments. They are all made with super soft materials and are knitted with no seams.

Many children with SPD also find comfort in heavy garments. They might be most comfortable completely covered or want to wear fleece or other heavier fabrics. Some have described this as putting a protective layer between them and the outside world, like wearing a hug. A compression shirt like the Compresso-T from SmartKnitKIDS gives children a sense of protection and calm without bulky or unnecessary fabrics. The Compresso-T is lightweight and moisture-wicking – the perfect solution for hot weather, or as a layer underneath other clothing.

You know your child. If you’ve found that a certain brand of t-shirt gets the most wear, buy several in different colors and even different sizes. You may get sick of seeing the same thing on your kid, but if your child is dressed and comfortable, that is a huge victory for both of you.

We hear from parents every day who tell us that socks are the biggest irritating issue for their child. Lumps, bumps, and seams bunch and rub making wearing them very uncomfortable. All SmartKnitKIDS socks are made with super soft and stretchy materials that are very comfortable for kids. And best of all there are absolutely no seams.

Help your child navigate the new school year with ease and the support they need. Take time creating routines that work for your child as well as finding clothing that makes them feel calm and confident to take on the new year.

Help your child navigate the new school year with ease and the support they need. Take time creating routines that work for your child as well as finding clothing that makes them feel calm and confident to take on the new year.