It’s getting close to “Back to School” time. Soon, parents and eager-ish kids will be buying new clothes to replace the ones they outgrew three months ago. However, parents of children with disabilities face unique challenges to this yearly ritual. Traditional clothing often doesn’t account for the needs of children with physical limitations, sensory sensitivities, or medical devices. That’s where adaptive clothing for children with disabilities comes in.

What is Adaptive Clothing?

Adaptive clothing refers to garments specifically designed to make dressing easier for people with disabilities or limited mobility. These clothes incorporate features that allow for easier dressing and undressing, increased comfort, and accommodation of medical devices or physical differences.

For children with disabilities, adaptive clothing can be a game-changer. It promotes independence, reduces stress during dressing routines, and allows kids to wear stylish, age-appropriate clothing that meets their unique needs.

Key Features of Adaptive Clothing

1. Easy closures: Magnetic buttons, velcro, or larger buttons replace small fastenings.
2. Side openings: Garments that open completely along the side make dressing while lying down much simpler.
3. Adjustable waistbands: Expandable waists accommodate feeding tubes or allow for easy diaper changes.
4. Accessible openings: Strategic openings allow access to medical ports, feeding tubes, or catheters.
5. Sensory-friendly fabrics and seamless design: Soft, breathable materials without irritating seams or tags benefit children with sensory sensitivities.

Examples of Adaptive Clothing for Children with Disabilities

Let’s explore some specific examples of adaptive clothing and how they can benefit children with various needs:

1. Magnetic closure shirts: These shirts use strong magnets instead of buttons, making them easy to fasten and unfasten. They’re great for children with limited dexterity or those learning to dress independently.
2. Side-opening bodysuits: For babies and toddlers who use leg braces or have difficulty with traditional over-the-head dressing, these bodysuits open completely along the side and leg, allowing for easy dressing while lying down.
3. Zip-back sweaters: These cozy sweaters zip up the back, making them easy to put on children with limited arm mobility or those who use wheelchairs.
4. Adaptive jeans: These look like regular jeans but feature an elastic waistband, no buttons or zippers, and often have a higher back rise for wheelchair users.
5. Tube access shirts: For children with feeding tubes, these shirts have a discreet zipper or flap that allows access to the tube without removing the entire garment.

Tips for Dressing Children with Disabilities

While adaptive clothing for children with disabilities can greatly simplify the dressing process, here are some additional tips to make dressing time smoother:

1. Establish a routine: A consistent dressing routine can help your child know what to expect and reduce anxiety.
2. Use visual aids: For children who benefit from visual supports, create a pictorial guide showing the steps of getting dressed.
3. Offer choices: When possible, let your child choose between two outfit options to promote independence and decision-making skills.
4. Practice with dolls: Use dolls or stuffed animals to practice dressing skills in a fun, low-pressure way.
5. Break it down: Divide dressing into smaller steps and praise your child for completing each one.
6. Make it fun: Sing songs, play games, or tell stories during dressing time to keep your child engaged and happy.
7. Adapt regular clothes: If adaptive clothing is not available or affordable for every item, consider modifying regular clothes. For example, replace buttons with velcro or add zipper pulls for easier grasping.

Where to Find Adaptive Clothing

As awareness grows about the need for adaptive clothing, more options are becoming available. Companies like JCPenney and Target offer a range of adaptive options for children. Patti & Ricky is an online adaptive features marketplace. Many innovative adaptive designs come from small businesses, often started by parents of children with disabilities.

For specific needs like clothing with feeding tube access, check out medical supply companies. Make sure to read reviews and, when possible, try clothes on before purchasing to ensure they meet your child’s specific needs.

Dressing children with disabilities can be challenging, but adaptive clothing offers solutions that can make this daily task easier and more enjoyable for both parent and child. Sometimes, children may need assistance with their motor skills or could benefit from an assistive device to help with dressing and hygiene. Brighton’s Occupational Therapists can work with young children and help build these skills.

Adaptive clothing is more than just fabric and fasteners – it’s a tool for empowerment, comfort, and inclusion. By advocating for and using adaptive clothing, we’re not just making our lives easier; we’re contributing to a more inclusive world where all children, regardless of ability, can dress with ease and style.