Autism - suddenly always wants to choose own clothes

[inanoctopusesgarden]

Hi,

My three year old has recently had a diagnosis of autism.

There are many challenges and difficulties but one more recent thing is the sudden desire to choose their own clothes.

Generally this isn't a huge deal. After school and weekends I'm mostly fine with leaving them to it.

But the weather is getting warmer and they always seem want to wear something that isn't weather appropriate. Big thick hoody /joggers in very warm sun. Kicking off over not wanting school uniform on.

Until recently this wasn't a issue and school uniform was always worn with no problem.

Any tips on how to manage this and encourage them to wear something else when it isn't an ideal outfit for the weather or what we are doing that particular day? It causes huge amounts of distress and a meltdown if we don't give in.

I don't think anything you have described is the preserve of a autistic child. My NT DS was exactly the same at 3. I just went with it and he eventually grew out of it. Obviously no way of telling if your child will but I'd just go with it for now.

My 8yo DS with Autism doesn't wear school uniform. In section F of his EHCP it states how he can wear his own leggings and tops to school.