Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with changes in routine or unfamiliar sensations, making it challenging for them to adapt to new clothing items, such as winter accessories. Research by Fisher et al. (Treatment of Resistance to Change in Children with Autism) offers effective strategies to address resistance to change, while a choice-making intervention can also be helpful for children who exhibit restrictive behaviors. Below are strategies based on these approaches to help parents teach their children with ASD to wear winter accessories, such as hats, gloves, and scarves.
Why Does Resistance to Wearing Winter Accessories Happen?
Children with ASD may resist wearing winter accessories due to sensory sensitivities (textures, tightness, or coldness), or simply because these items represent a change in their usual routine. They might also feel discomfort from unfamiliar sensations or the process of putting on and wearing these items.
Strategies to Encourage Wearing Winter Accessories
- Graduated Exposure to Winter Accessories
- What it is: Introduce the winter accessory gradually in short, manageable steps, increasing exposure time as the child becomes more comfortable.
- Example: Start by having the child hold the accessory (e.g., a hat) without wearing it. Then, move on to lightly placing it on their head for a few seconds and gradually increase the duration over time. Reward the child for each successful step.
- Use of Positive Reinforcement
- What it is: Reinforce wearing the accessory by pairing it with a reward that the child values. This can help associate the accessory with positive experiences.
- Example: If the child puts on their gloves, they could receive praise, a preferred toy, or a small treat. Continue this reinforcement each time they wear the accessory, gradually reducing the need for the reward as the child gets used to wearing it.
- Choice-Making Intervention
- What it is: Allow the child to have some control by offering choices related to the accessory. This gives the child a sense of autonomy and can reduce resistance.
- Example: Offer two different types of gloves or scarves for the child to choose from. Allow them to pick the color or texture they prefer. Giving them a choice can make them more willing to wear the item.
- Desensitization through Play
- What it is: Incorporate the winter accessories into play activities to make them more familiar and fun, reducing anxiety around wearing them.
- Example: During playtime, involve their favorite stuffed animal or toy in wearing a hat or scarf. Pretend the toy is getting ready for winter, then encourage the child to try putting on the accessories themselves.
- Visual Schedules
- What it is: Use visual supports to show when it is time to wear winter accessories as part of a predictable routine.
- Example: Create a visual schedule showing the steps of getting dressed for cold weather. Include pictures of the child wearing winter clothing, and show each step clearly (e.g., first the coat, then the hat, then the gloves).
- Reinforce Tolerance of the Accessory
- What it is: Reward the child for tolerating the accessory for gradually increasing periods.
- Example: Begin by asking the child to wear their scarf for just 10 seconds. If they tolerate it, give them a reward. Gradually increase the duration until they can comfortably wear the scarf for longer periods, such as during the entire trip outside.
Example of Applying These Strategies
Let’s say your child has difficulty wearing gloves in the winter. Begin by showing them the gloves and allowing them to touch them. Praise them for any interaction. Next, ask them to wear the gloves for 5 seconds, rewarding them afterward. Slowly increase the time they wear the gloves by a few seconds each time. Offer choices, such as which color gloves they prefer. Additionally, you could make a visual schedule that shows putting on gloves as a step in getting ready for outdoor play.
If the child begins to tolerate the gloves, you can gradually phase out the rewards and focus on praising them for keeping the gloves on throughout their outdoor activities.
Teaching a child with ASD to wear winter accessories requires patience and gradual exposure, using positive reinforcement, choice-making, and visual supports. By breaking down the process and reinforcing success, parents can help their child become more comfortable with wearing winter clothing. If you’re struggling with similar challenges, reach out to Alon Behavior Consulting for personalized strategies and support.
This article is based on research from Fisher et al.’s work on treating resistance to change and choice-making interventions for restrictive behaviors in children with autism.
