It’s that time of year again—back to school! This means I have to take my two reluctant sons, ages 8 and 10, on a quest for new uniforms.
Shoe Shopping Challenges
Our first stop was shoe shopping. Like many boys their age, their feet seem to grow overnight. But my boys are different; they are on the autism spectrum, and their sensory sensitivities make uniform shopping a real challenge.
We primarily opt for Skechers shoes. This choice isn’t based on style (though my youngest loves his flashy light-up sneakers) but because they offer a wide range of Velcro options. According to my oldest, Velcro helps distribute pressure evenly on the foot, unlike traditional laces, which can lead to discomfort and potential meltdowns at school.
At the Skechers store, a friendly employee measured their feet. My youngest excitedly chose the most vibrant pair he could find. Then came my oldest’s turn. The attendant leaned in and said softly, “He’s a size 6 now, sweetie, that’s in the men’s section.” My heart sank. It was a bittersweet moment—watching my child grow up while grappling with the reality that he no longer fits into the children’s sizes. The other bitter pill to swallow? No more Velcro shoes.
Does this mean that my son has outgrown his midday meltdowns? Or will I now spend an extra 30 minutes each morning fiddling with shoelaces that always seem to be just right? I dread the thought of the school nurse calling me because he’s in tears over his shoes.
Uniform Shopping Woes
Next on the list: uniforms. The key challenge here is to never run out of their favorite pieces. Losing a pair of pants or a shirt can lead to absolute chaos. I learned this the hard way last year when I thought I was well-prepared and stocked up on several items. But then disaster struck—two pairs ripped, and a third’s zipper broke. We were left with only two pairs, and my son refused to wear one of them because it felt different. This led to daily battles that consumed a good chunk of our mornings.
This year, I resolved to buy even more uniform pieces to ease the morning rush. But when I pulled out last year’s pants, the tears began to flow. “They’re too tight,” he lamented. “They’re not soft enough. Why can’t I wear my soft pants to school?” He was referring to his comfy fleece pants, which, while navy, were not school-appropriate. It’s frustrating when he’d rather endure the heat than wear something that feels uncomfortable.
Finding Solutions
I’ve often wondered why there aren’t more clothing options for kids with sensory sensitivities. Why do these soft clothes only seem to be available in the baby section? Then, I stumbled upon a story about a brilliant entrepreneur, Mia Parker, who created “Sensory Solutions Clothing.” Each piece can be worn in any direction, is tag-free, and lacks zippers or buttons. It was a game changer.
I rushed to purchase some of Mia’s offerings, only to find that most items were sold out. Why? An estimated 16.5% of school-age kids struggle with sensory processing issues, meaning countless parents are facing the same struggles I am.
So, why has it taken so long for clothing companies to cater to this need? It shouldn’t take a frustrated mom to create a solution like this. Kudos to Mia for taking the initiative. I wish I could send her a bouquet on behalf of all the parents in similar situations. I can’t wait to finally get our hands on some of her clothing—once they’re back in stock, of course.
For more information on this innovative clothing line, visit Sensory Solutions Clothing.
Summary
Shopping for uniforms for children with sensory sensitivities can be a daunting task for parents. From shoe shopping anxiety to the chaos of finding the right uniform pieces, the struggle is real. Thankfully, innovative clothing lines like Sensory Solutions Clothing are beginning to fill the gap, offering solutions that cater to the unique needs of these children.