Anyone that has followed our story knows that Emmett struggles with many sensory related issues.
One of the biggest issues we face is getting Emmett to wear socks and shoes. He doesn’t always tolerate the feeling of socks and shoes on his feet. He’s been doing much better lately but we still have to constantly adjust his socks because they are hurting him.
So we decided to try something a bit different. Now, I will say that I can see many Dad’s not really liking this idea and honestly, I can understand.
Basically, one day, Emmett stumbled upon Lizze painting her toe nails and became fascinated with the idea of seeing paint on his little piggy toes. In the interest of full disclosure, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of painting his toe nails but I’m a bit more progressive and so I got over it pretty quick.
He only wants his big toe painted and really likes changing colors every few days.
Anyway, I decided that I would take advantage of the unique situation. I have explained to him that when his toes are painted his socks will feel better and it has helped.
It’s not a perfect solution but sometimes beggars can’t be choosers. As special needs parents, we very often have to think outside of the box in order to find a solution to the very unique problems we are often faced with.
**Thanks for reading**
-Lost and Tired
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For some weird reason, today is 'no socks day'. Just FYI!
Funnily enough, I used to do this when my boys were little, for exactly the same reasons. Thankfully, Peter accepted that ‘home rules’ and ‘public rules’ are different, and tolerated his clothes whilst out, but instantly stripping down to pants once we were home or at nanny’s house!
The only reason he stayed in pants was because I convinced him that they would be better than trips to the doctor for infections (he had a real phobia of anyone in a medical uniform).
He’s 10yrs now, and to this day, he still lounges in his undies or, if I insist because he is turning blue with cold, a soft, fleecy dressing gown. Although, he stays dressed at nanny’s now, unless he has slept over.
Can he tolerate sandals? If I remember correctly he’s the no wet feet kid, right? How about something that doesn’t need socks? Soft slippers? It sounds crazy, but ballet shoes? I’m not being facetious, just brainstorming to try to help. I read a story once about a guy with severely deformed feet – his solution? Baseball mitts. Whatever works, right? You don’t owe ANYONE an explanation, about toenail polish or anything else. *^_^*
Yes, a fun routine can help break the tension that increases sensory issues. This must have been one of my parents favorite techniques, but since I understood psychology, it would have been the socks feel better if we make it fun by doing xxx.
The exact psychology of this isn't placebo effect, although that sure helps in initial success, it is diffusion of the tensions in the situation. Human sensory threshold pain is increased by our tendency to be nervous.
Routine and fun in tandem break that tension and allow things to get done that otherwise couldn't. This was one of my parent's favorite technique with not only me, but my non-autistic siblings as well. I wish as was as good at applying it to my own life as she was at using it growing up.
Aw, I think that's actually pretty cute! Who says boys can't like nail polish too, anyway? 🙂