It’s that time of year again—back to school. This means I have to take my two reluctant boys, aged 8 and 10, on a quest for uniforms. Our first stop this week? Shoe shopping. Like many boys their age, their feet seem to grow overnight. But unlike most kids, my sons are on the autism spectrum, which complicates the already daunting task of shopping for shoes and uniforms due to sensory sensitivities.
We typically stick to Skechers for their footwear. It’s not just that they look fun—my youngest loves the light-up versions—but they also feature a wide array of Velcro options. My oldest prefers Velcro because it distributes pressure evenly across the foot, unlike traditional shoelaces. Plus, Velcro is less likely to come undone and trigger a meltdown at school.
As we entered the Skechers store, a kind sales associate measured the boys’ feet. My youngest quickly chose the most colorful pair he could find. Then it was time for my oldest. The attendant leaned in closer and gently informed me, “He’s a size 6, and that’s in the men’s section.” Cue the tears. Not only was I not ready to face my child growing up, but the transition also meant saying goodbye to Velcro. I couldn’t help but wonder: would this lead to mornings filled with shoelace struggles and potential calls from the school nurse about yet another meltdown?
After tackling shoes, the next hurdle was the uniforms. One crucial rule I’ve learned is to never run out of their favorite uniform pieces. Losing access to a beloved pair of pants can lead to catastrophic meltdowns. Trust me; I’ve learned this the hard way. Last year, I planned ahead, buying five of everything, enough to cover a week without laundry. But of course, disaster struck—two pairs ripped, and one zipper broke. We were left with two pairs of pants, one of which my son refused to wear because it felt different. Every morning turned into a 45-minute debate over this navy pair of pants, leaving him heartbroken as he boarded the bus.
This year, my plan is to buy even more. I dug out last year’s pants, only to be met with tears. “They’re too tight,” he cried. “They’re not soft. Why can’t I wear my soft pants to school?” He was referring to his cozy fleece pants, which, while navy, were not approved for school wear. Even though it was sweltering outside, he would rather endure the heat than wear anything uncomfortable. Our weekly discussions about when fleece pants are appropriate are exhausting, even for a generally patient person like me.
At some point, I found myself asking: why isn’t there more soft, sensory-friendly clothing available for children like mine? It seems such clothing is only marketed to infants. Then, while scrolling through social media, I came across a story about a brilliant former news anchor, Mia Lawson, who created a clothing line specifically addressing these issues. The line, called “ComfortWear,” allows each garment to be worn inside out or backward, with no tags, zippers, or buttons. Pure genius.
I rushed to purchase what Lawson was offering: hope. However, most items were already sold out within a few months. Why is that? Approximately 16.5 percent of school-age kids experience sensory processing issues, meaning countless parents face the same morning battles I do. So why did it take one determined mother to create this line? Shouldn’t more brands be listening to us?
A huge shout-out to the mom who made this happen! I wish I could send her flowers on behalf of all parents navigating the sensory challenges. I can’t wait for our first order to arrive—once it’s back in stock, of course.
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Summary
Shopping for uniforms and shoes for children with sensory issues can be a challenging experience for parents. Finding sensory-friendly options, like those created by innovative entrepreneurs, can alleviate some of these stresses. With a little creativity and determination, we can ease the morning chaos and provide our children with the comfort they need.
SEO Metadata
Keyphrase: sensory-friendly uniforms
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