Ripping socks purposely

[CJain]

I have a strange problem - my son's autistic and nonverbal. Recently he's been ripping his socks everyday. He keeps pulling at them until them get a a ladder and then he rips them apart. They are the right size and I try to put them on him myself. But he doesn't let me. Also I can't let him go without socks as it's so cold. Can anyone help me? Please tell me what I should do? Thanks a lot.

It could be a sensory need. Have you tried different socks, including seamless socks, seamfree socks and ones with a different feel to the current socks?

It could also be pain of similar. Have you looked at DS’s feet, particularly his toes.

Will he accept old pairs to rip? Probably enjoys the sensation of ripping. Could you try one colour to wear and another to rip? Back up and reinforce with coloured visuals.

Could he wear shoes/ boots covering his socks?
Is it just his own socks not when others are wearing them?
When our autistic daughter was young she would say her socks were “ frozened” if they were crumpled or had any threads inside on the sole.

Have you asked school staff for tips?