Nearly 4 year old taking clothes off.

[ag12345]

My son is 4 is October and is language delayed but is progressing well. He is on the pathway for neurodivergence. (ASD/ADHD).
Since the summer, he continuously takes his clothes off at home mostly but has done it at nursery a fair few times too. When I say takes clothes off, I just mean down to underwear. At nursery he takes shoes, socks and shorts off.
He has got the understanding to be told to leave clothes off but as soon as he gets home, he wants his clothes off. I don’t know if it’s become a habit or what but it’s just getting me down. He doesn’t start school until September 2026 so we have a year but I’m fearful this will continue at school. I don’t believe this is a sensory thing at all. He’s not really sensory. His speech therapist and myself do not believe he has any sensory issues at all. Is this a phase? Will he grow out of it? Like I say, it’s only really been since the weather got hot (UK).
TIA

Just to add… he has no issues with what I dress him in. Doesn’t have a problem putting clothes on, and has never been fussy about fabrics or anything.

This could have been me at your son's age except I would take off all my clothes. My mother found it embarrassing when I did it in public.

I was diagnosed with high functioning autism in late middle age which, in retrospect, makes sense of lots of small things - including the desire to remove my clothes. I have enjoyed nudist beaches all my life.

My autism hasn't held me back in life. I have had a successful career and made good relationships.

Taking off some or all of their clothes isn’t unusual. Some do just grow out of it without any input.

What happens if you dress DS in clothes he can’t easily take off? For example, a bodysuit on backwards? Or depending on his motor skills, dungarees?

What happens if you stop DS undressing or redress him straight away?

You say this has only started since it was hot. How is DS’s temperature control?

Does the SALT have sensory integration qualifications? The vast majority do not. If they don't, or only have basic qualifications, e.g. module 1, I would be cautious of ruling out sensory issues. Sensory integration issues come in many, many different forms. It certainly sounds like a comprehensive SIOT assessment would help DS.

Thank you for your response. It’s so nice to hear from adults with autism to see how things have turned out for you. I think as a parent, the future is unknown. Did you have a language delay also? My son has always spoke, but communication came later. He’s progressing so much now to the point where the speech therapist things we won’t need her by the time he goes to school which was a pleasant surprise. As for the clothes, I really don’t mind him taking them off at home, if he kept them on at nursery. He does keep them on when we’re are out also but I always have a fear of him stripping off in a soft play. I am so happy for you that life has been good for you. :) x

@flawlessflipper hi lovely. Thank you for your reply. He just simply puts them back on. A lot of the time he finds it funny. His motor skills are on point to be honest. He can remove dungarees easily 😂
as for SALT, she is very experienced. Specialises in autism, so I believe she would pick up on any sensory issues. I also work with children with SEN and worked in a SEN school for 5 years so I have a bit of my own knowledge too. Our SLT is private so I know a lot of the NHS SLTs don’t have the experience that you’re talking about. Hence the reason we skipped nhs referral for SLT. I think it’s almost an attention thing to be honest, because he looks at me dead in the eye whilst taking them off. I genuinely don’t mind them being off in the house. It’s if he kept them on at nursery as I’m worried about him doing it at school x

The SALT may be experienced generally, but does she have sensory integration qualifications? The majority of SALTs, even independent ones, do not.

If DS takes his clothes off then simply puts them back on, I would ignore it.

He doesn’t put them back on. I do. But without any issues. I think Im just going to the strict for these next few weeks before he goes back to nursery to start a new routine.
erm I’m not quite sure if she’s specifically trained as she will refer on to a OT if she feels it is needed. X

Ah sorry, I misunderstood where you said “He just simply puts them back on.”

Does DS then take them back off?

If she would refer on for sensory issues, she either doesn’t have sensory integration qualifications or only has basic ones. Personally, if possible, I would seek an assessment from an OT with sensory integration qualifications (and more than just the basic ones) and experience. Not all sensory issues are obvious and not all are the stereotypical issues.

My son is 8 (asd and ahdh) and just wears pants in the house. He's more comfortable that way, I dont have a problem with it. If we are having visitors he has to wear clothes but otherwise I'd rather he was comfortable.

@flawlessflipper i appreciate what your saying but an OT assessment where I am is over £1000. It’s practically non existent on the nhs.

@Stuckinthenineties yeah I’d be fine with that if he kept them on at nursery lol x

Are you in England? Sensory OT can be included an EHCP even if your local ICB doesn’t offer it on the NHS. Does DS have an EHCP? If he does and you have to appeal when you next have the right of appeal, and you need to seek independent evidence as part of that but can’t afford it/you aren’t eligible for legal aid, contact Parents in Need. They can help fund assessments. If DS doesn’t have an EHCP, request an EHCNA using one of the model letter on IPSEA’s website. Sensory OT assessment can be part of the EHCNA even if your local ICB doesn’t offer it on the NHS.

In Wales, sensory OT can be part of an IDP. And in NI, sensory OT can be part of a Statement of SEN. Scotland is a bit more complex.

Same for SALT.