My DS 5.5 has always been fairly picky about clothing - I know it’s a fairly common sensory thing - he always chooses plain t-shirts etc and doesn’t want collars, buttons or zips. He only likes jogger bottoms which is fine. But recently he’s got really picky about it so he only wants one particular brand and style of jogger which he’s decided has the most comfy waist, and only one specific t-shirt with a particular colour and design.
We have two of the t-shirts but when they are dirty he fishes them out of the laundry basket and puts them on, even if I explain they need a wash.
(he has no school uniform so he’s doing this daily).
All over Christmas all he’s been wearing is this same t-shirt and joggers combo.
I know it’s sounding like some kind of ND. At present there are no other signs of this however. I’m a teacher and think he’s neurotypical and fairly typical in most ways, and his teachers are also raising no concerns and are pleased with his progress.
Personality-wise he is strong willed and stubborn- he’s a picky eater too although he ate everything as a baby / toddler. So as with the clothing I feel like these are choices he’s making to feel in control.
Anyway how best to manage the situation with clothing? I try to pick my battles and give up on keeping him looking smart or worrying about what others think, but… Do I pander to it and keep washing the same t-shirt and trousers on repeat? Or do I say he’s not allowed to wear them as they are dirty?
we are going away on holiday and I don’t know whether to wash them and pack them or leave them behind. He’s currently wearing a dirty set of clothes he dug out of the laundry first thing this morning though 