![]() This can lead to a meltdown or tantrum.”Įmily Kuschner, a psychologist at the Center for Autism Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, says there are ways to help children feel more comfortable in clothes. The individual can become hyper-focused on what is irritating him at that moment. ![]() “Clothing can become irritating and then interfere with the child's ability to concentrate on anything else. “A child that has sensory sensitivities receives a response of unpleasantness,” she says. Some of the irritants include tags in shirts, jeans because they are hard and have ridges in the seams, items that are too tight, and certain textures and fabrics. ![]() McMullin says many children with autism or sensory processing disorders report feeling uncomfortable with certain clothes because of tactile sensitivities. “Not only can children with autism suffer from sensory issues, but those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Activity Disorder and anxiety can also have sensory sensitivities.” “Companies who are making clothing that is more sensory-friendly for this population are helping more children than they realize,” says Kate McMullin, a licensed clinical social worker, registered physical therapist and certified autism specialist at Inspira Medical Center Woodbury Children's Behavioral Health. The shirts are fashionable, but use one-dimensional graphics, heat-transferred labels and flat seams to keep the clothes soft, says Roman. With this insight, we set out to introduce a limited selection of sensory-friendly kids' clothing within Cat & Jack that is affordable and offers kids stylish options to feel comfortable and confident to take on their day.”įor girls, Target features a long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirt and leggings, and for boys a long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirt. “We heard from our guests, and members of our own team, that there's a need for sensory-friendly clothing for kids that is both fashionable and affordable. “As we continue to evolve the Cat & Jack assortment, we want to help all families discover the joy of everyday life,” says Meghan Roman, Target spokesperson. In August, Target expanded its Cat & Jack brand to include sensory-friendly pieces for kids and toddlers who experience discomfort from tags, seams and embellishments. ![]() Parents can be proud of what their children are wearing, they don't have to give up style for comfort.”Īnd Donohoe is not alone, as more companies and designers are making softer clothing for children with special needs. I also focus on soft and seamless designs for children with tactile issues. “I use tear away tags that cleanly break and iron-on tags so clothes are not scratchy by the neck. Some items parents continue to buy are the soft clothes, compression clothing and weighted blankets. She works close with educators, nurses, therapists and design experts to ensure the products are stylish, comfortable, helpful and safe for children. They can't play or concentrate, and it becomes a severe issue when it affects their daily life.”ĭonohoe's challenges inspired her to launch Kozie Clothes, a Pottstown, Pa., company that sells therapeutic and sensory-friendly fashions and products for children with special needs. Sensitivities can interfere with everything children want to do. “I was always adapting her clothes or buying soft clothes. “I worked with kids for a long time, over 30 years, and I have a daughter that had sensitivities as a child,” says Donohoe. Although her daughter is grown now, she still recalls many of the clothing challenges. Susan Donohoe knows firsthand the battles, alterations and style sacrifices parents face when trying to dress their children with sensory sensitivities.ĭonohoe, a pediatric occupational therapist with a certification in sensory integration and SIPT testing, is the mom of six children - and has a daughter with sensitivities. ![]() Watch Video: WATCH: Goat yoga takes over New Jersey ![]()
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