Address Your ADHD Kid's Tactile Needs
stock.xchng/pavarandaCalm your kid. If your child’s morning routine begins with a bath or shower, use heavily textured washcloths and towels to wash and dry her off. It can calm her ADHD brain, so she can better meet the challenges of dressing. A vigorous rubdown with a regular bath towel or wrapping her in a Firm Touch Towel from Sensory Comfort is good for ADHD children who crave tactile stimulation.
Consider underclothing. A tight-fitting underlayer helps some children feel secure. Performance apparel, like Under Armour’s AllSeasonGear is snug and provides stimulation and pressure to calm children who have ADHD. The double-sided fabric funnels heat from the hotter areas of a child’s body and draws away perspiration to help keep him feeling comfortable through the day.
Be aware of sensitivities. If your child complains that tags itch and seams “don’t feel right,” believe her. Some ADHD children have tactile hypersensitivity -- a strong reaction to certain types of clothing and fabric textures. Cut out tags in the back of shirts, and stick with fabrics that your child finds most comfortable. Shirts that are constructed with a flat seam, such as Hot Chillys Kid Crews, are a good alternative to traditional shirts.
If seams in the sock’s toe bother your child, SmartKnitKIDS and Tic Tac Toe make seamless socks.
Next: Choose Clothing Wisely
This article comes from the Winter 2009 issue of ADDitude.
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