HomeAnswersOccupational TherapyautismMy 5-year-old child has mild ASD and does not wear clothes at all. What needs to be done?

How to handle a 5-year-old child with ASD who takes off all kinds of clothes and fabric?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 24, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 8, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My child is 5-year-old and takes off every kind of clothes and fabric, including underwear, sleeps naked, walks naked around the house, does not wear a coat in winter, and has mild ASD. Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query.

An autistic child could be particularly sensitive to rough tags and seams. Too-tight waistbands or clothing may cause them to react. Clothing that is overly loose and prone to slipping off could make them respond. They can be exhibiting an allergic reaction-related itch. A brand-new item of clothes or a fabric pattern could upset them.

It can be prevented by keeping fasteners out of your child's reach by placing them at the rear. Wearing layers will make it more difficult for your toddler to undress fully. Purchase footed clothing, such as onesies or pajamas, and put them on backward. A safety pin can prevent a zipper from being opened. Swap out snaps for more intricate closures like hook-and-eye fasteners.

The do's and don't in ASD (autism spectrum disorder) children are the good news is that most autistic children eventually pick up the habit of dressing themselves. Keep yourself cool and concentrate on rewarding the youngster for appropriate behaviors rather than penalizing them for improper ones. Punishing an autistic child for undressing does little to alter behavior and may worsen the problem by provoking you.

The Probable causes

ASD (autism spectrum disorder).

Investigations to be done

Nil.

Differential diagnosis

Nil.

Probable diagnosis

ASD (autism spectrum disorder).

Treatment plan

Nil.

Preventive measures

By figuring out what makes an autistic child uncomfortable, you can encourage them to keep their clothes on.  Using a reward system, you can encourage the youngster to keep their clothes on.  Some parents point out their children's peer behavior or reinforce good behavior via visuals or books.

Regarding follow up

If you have any doubts, kindly update me.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Azeem Iyas Basha
Dr. Azeem Iyas Basha

General Practitioner

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