You are here:

Autism/Grandaughter and clothes

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/24/2011


Question
My 6yo granddaughter is having a terrible time with her clothes.  She will not wear socks, shirts itch, she is all the time pulling at her pants.  Sometimes, it's like she's in a panic mode and you can't get her to calm down.  Her doctor has been trying her on different medication to make her concentrate in school and each prescription brings out the clothes issue.  I feel so sorry for her and want to do something but I have no idea what.

Answer
Lynne,

It sound like your granddaughter has sensory issues. She should be assessed for possible sensory issues. The school she attends should perform this assessment if the parents write them a letter requesting that their daughter be assessed for special education, specifically for sensory issues. Many medical insurance plans will pay to have an Occupational Therapist (OT) perform an assessment in the area of sensory challenges. I am surprised her doctor has not already recommended this assessment. Her sensory issues could be impacting her ability to concentrate in school.

I represent children with sensory needs who are assessed and then served by a Sensory Diet. It may be as simple as changing the fabric on her clothing or the tightness of the fit. But an expert needs to assess her and then make recommendations.

I wish you and your granddaughter the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates for Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com  

Autism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Tim Runner

Expertise

Questions concerning autistic student special education: IEP, assessments, Due Process, mediation, resolution conference, federal law, state law, qualifying for services, residential treatment, special day classes, resource specialists, procedures, having your child assessed, adaptive PE, speech & language, non-public school, FAPE, tuition reimbursement for private schools and treatment centers .

Experience

I have been an education advocate representing students and parents for six years. My experience includes: representing my clients in IEPs, SSTs, Due Process, review assessment results for my clients and for other advocates, and mediations. I have represented clients with learning disabilities, autism, Downs Syndrome, cognitively challenged, emotional problems, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and physical disabilities. I have also represented clients to County Mental Health Departments and Regional Centers. My clients range from pre-school to college students in California and various other states.

Education/Credentials
I have a degree in Mathematics from the University of California with minors in Psychology and Physics. I also studied applied statistics in the field of psychology at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I have taught college classes, conducted seminars, written articles for various publications, and testified as an expert witness.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.