Complicated tops for autistic DD

[jotunn]

I have a 16yo autistic DD who needs long sleeve tops for school but has huge sensory issues about sleeves over her forearms. Her sensory issues allow her to wear jackets or hoodies, but her sixth form doesn't allow either. She cannot wear long sleeve jumpers, jersey tops or cardigans. At the moment she is managing with plaid shirts but it's going to be too cold for that soon.

She likes baggy and shapeless but is very tiny ( size of an average 12 year old) so is completely swamped by the men's tops she is prepared to consider...

Any suggestions for hood free sensory friendly tops would be amazing

How is she with rolled up sleeves? I can wear long sleeves as long as I can roll them up. That way she is still technically following the rules. A warm base layer t shirt or vest under a shirt might also do her for the winter. I'd probably rather be a bit cold than wear something I'm uncomfortable in so it might not actually bother her too much?

I'm not diagnosed though my daughter is (she's the opposite and loves tight clothes though!)

Thank you all very much - I really appreciate it.

It's been useful to work through what the issues are. The only school restriction is no hoodies, everything else is either coming from DD's sensory issues or actually from me worrying about her being cold. DD was only finally diagnosed in March so this is the first winter we have actually had to think about this without her masking and pretending it's fine.

When DD is up (in about 4 hours' time!) I'll sit down with her and go through the links and suggestions to see what she is most happy with. If we can't find anything I will write to the school senco and see if DD can wear hoodies as a reasonable adjustment.

Rolled up sleeves are fine - the only issue is that she likes very baggy clothes and is doing Sciences so can be difficult to get under a labcoat - but at least that doesn't have sensory issues!

Buy a hoodie and cut the hood off.

Maybe a sweatshirt with a zip, but without a hood would work?

https://gb.benetton.com/pure-cotton-sweatshirt-with-zipper-3J68C501B1088M.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI687a99HCgQMVNIpQBh3uYw13EAQYAiABEgJFrPDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&utmmcampaign=UKLFFPERF-MAXALLLSALESAOOCONVERSIONALL-PRODUCT&utmmmedium=performancemax&utm_source=google

😁 This genuinely never occurred to me but could well be the answer of last resort!

Would a soft sweatshirt work if hoodies are OK?

I recently got this one in the sale and it's the most comfortable sweatshirt I own. I have a size L as a 12/14. https://cubandpudding.com/collections/sweatshirts/products/line-dots-lilac-grey-sweatshirt-adult

Uniqlo do lovely soft sweatshirts, and also fleecy jackets without hoods. I'm also a great fan of their loose airism t-shirts - and if you're worried about her not being warm enough they also do fleecy gilets which you could put over those. Their online sales seem to be working really well at the moment, so you could buy a whole bundle of stuff to try on at home...

On the basis of reasonable adjustments as she has a recognised disability, she should be able to wear whatever she can manage.

Primark do hoodies with out a hood. Same material and designs.

The current shirt with a gilet over?

What would be your grounds for asking that she be allowed to wear a hoodie? Beyond saying you feel it's a reasonable adjustment.

Sweatshirts like this
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/iets-frans-black-sweatshirt4?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=001&searchparams=q%3Dsweatshirt%26sayt%3Dtrue&type=REGULAR&quantity=1

Feel exactly like a hoodie but no hood

As a tip for the lab coats, just get her to choose a really big oversized one in class and the sleeves should be loose and go Iver hoodie styled sleeves

The school has to make allowances for her due to her needs. Contact them. She need to be comfortable and in a good place to learn. They can't force this.

Isn't that just a sweatshirt?!

Will your dd wear fleeces? Tog 24 do zip up, half zip and full zip. This is kind of like a hoody without a hood.

Maybe there would be something appropriate if you google ski wear?
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su052348/987128#987128

When I was college age I had a plaid shirt that was padded and therefore v warm. Something like this: https://www.cottontraders.com/fleece-lined-shirt/AB12209002.html?src=MGG1&fix=1&source=pla&CAWELAID=320012860000023834&CAGPSPN=pla&utm_source=GoogleShoppingUK&country=uk&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvL-oBhCxARIsAHkOiu3E9vgo8ZUtEO_gN2KTeYVePWXwYhhYQmYLbK-x-m85n1h_ApynIMEaAmF8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

As others have said, just tell the school she will be dressed smartly but it won't be full uniform. That's what we do. A few complaints from teachers but its my non-negotiable and guidance teacher has now taken action and let all teachers know my daughter can wear a different version of the uniform.

Oh, and pretty sure there will be something in disability act or similar that means schools have to allow adjustments.
Schools need to stop trying to get those with sensory issues to conform to their standards. Really irritates me.

@PortalooSunset - sweatshirts typically go over the head and have narrow necks.

I don't know about the OP's DD but those can cause sensory issues for quite a few autistic people.

Would batwing jumpers be ay good?

Might something like a more smart/structured jacket be permissible?

Have you spoken to the school about it? I appreciate they will want to keep their uniform policy visibly upheld as much as possible, but it would be helpful for them to know and they might be able to help with advice or adjustments.

M&S do some really good thermal T-shirts and long sleeved shirts. H&M have some nice soft sweatshirts, which don’t have hoods. And their sizes are always on the small size as well. Hope she finds something to make her comfortable.

When you say the school won't allow it, have you asked or are you just going by the uniform standards, which really do not apply to your DD (reasonable adjustment)

I guess I was thinking of the over-head hoodies that my dc with sensory issues wears (can't do zips). Makes more sense if you're talking about zip up ones.

Would gilet/bodywarmer work @jotunn