16 year old with clothing issues

My 16 year old son acts like he got ants in his pants when he feels clothes against his skin. He says he don't like to feel clothes so he wears everything really big. Is this normal or do I need to take him to a doctor. He was diagnosed in 3rd grade with Auditory Visual Processing disorder. Please help as this is a constant argument every time we need go go some where, he always looks like a bum.




Thank You, Cheryl



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Sep 09, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Clothing Tags
by: Marilyn

Amen to that! Most tags feel like a razor blade on the back of my neck. Thank God and modern technology for the printed-on labels!

A friend of mine gave me a tip. When you can't get the whole tag out for fear of ruining something, cut it off as close to the seam line as you can, then run you fingernail back and forth over the edge to fray it. Big help!

I like the second-hand clothing tip. It's economical, too!

Blessings on you!
Marilyn
Sep 09, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clothing issues
by: Nic

I have recently found out that I have quite a few sensory issues being 40 - I would have loved to have found out earlier in my life.

In regard to clothing take him shopping get him to try stuff on and work out what he wants to wear most of the time it is about comfort.

A lot of my clothes I buy are second hand as they are already worn in which is a lot better.

I am forever ripping tags off clothing - it is like your skin is so sensitive to touch.
Sep 07, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Brushing Information
by: Anonymous

Click on the Tactile Defensiveness link on the left. Then click on the blue link to Wilbarger Brushing Protocol. This will give you a little background. Your family doctor can direct you to an OT or PT that can show you the brushing program. Some kids love it and find it really helps. Others, not so much. Older kids can do a lot of it themselves, but might really enjoy the TLC of having Mom or Dad do it.

Hope it helps!
Blessings on you!
Marilyn
Sep 06, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		I can relate!
by: Cat

My 15 year old daughter has just recently developed a sensitivity to clothing touching her collar bone--even regular t-shirts seem to bother her. She has off and on previously complained, but nothing like this. She's been walking around with her t-shirt in her mouth so it doesn't touch her collar bone. Is this something that can develop at any age? I haven't found much in the way of treatments--other than the brushing--she doesn't think she could do that. Where can we find more information on how the brushing actually works and how to do it? Any suggestions are much appreciated.
Jul 26, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Seek Advice, But Leave Him Alone
by: Anonymous

Arguing with him won't solve anything. He can't help but feel uncomfortable in some clothes. I can tell you from my own experience that it can feel just horrible to be stuck in some clothes and it's even worse when people add further discomfort with their own comments. Maybe he looks like a bum, but is it really that important what he wears? I'd rather my son be comfortable in his clothes and look like a bum than grumpy and miserable. Not worth fighting over - that's for sure. If you argue with him, he might not trust you to seek help because more than anything right now - he needs understanding. He can't help how the clothes make him feel, but you can help how you make him feel about it.
Jun 30, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		16 Year Old Clothing Issues
by: Marilyn

I have two comments. First, try to understand that he's not making this up to annoy you. This is a serious issue for him and he can't help it. Also, he's not the only one. He's just in the minority.

It sounds like some kind of treatment (a brushing program comes to mind) that raises his tolerance threshold might help. At his age, he will have to want to do it in order for it to work.

If, perchance, he IS doing this to annoy you, ignoring it is your best bet.

Second comment: almost every teenager wears something their parents think is inappropriate. My kids certainly did. Give him time. If it's not immoral or dangerous it's not that important. Think long term and focus on building a relationship based on respect and admiration.

That was my strategy and my son eventually cut his hair and started wearing grown-up clothes when it was socially necessary. And we're still friends! Hooray!

Blessings on you!
Marilyn

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