Dressing

Autistic learners have sensory processing issues and may also experience difficulties with  motor co-ordination. They  may have problems with fine motor skills which are required for activities such as writing, playing instruments,  crafts and  also self-care skills such as dressing, tying shoelaces, doing zips and buttons.

Clothes and shoes

Some autistic learners will avoid particular designs and textures of clothes and shoes, for example they may need to be: 

• Loose fitting  
• Made of a particular fabric  
• A particular colour 
• Have no notable seams  
• Lightweight or heavyweight clothes  
• Have particular fasteners – e.g. velcro or poppers  
• Closed or open-toed shoes  
• Velcro shoes. 

It can be helpful for parents and families to share any sensory issues their child has regarding clothes and dressing with the school and for the school to enquire about this during transition planning.