Before you start
Getting front and back muddled is the most common struggle for autistic children learning to dress. Teach one simple rule — the label always goes at the back — and let your child check for it every time. A slightly loose t-shirt with a wide neck opening is far easier to learn on than a tight one. Many children find seams or tags scratchy, so pick a soft, familiar shirt to practice with.
How to teach
Try backward chaining: you do all the steps, but let your child do the very last step themselves. Next time, let them do the last two — working backwards. This way your child always finishes with success, and success is what makes them want to try again.
Celebrate each tick
Don't wait for the whole routine to be perfect. Every single step your child does is worth a smile, a clap, a high-five. Small wins, celebrated out loud, add up faster than you think.
Everywhere, not just here
Use simple, generic pictures so the skill travels. Practice at nani's or dadi's house too, not only at home. A skill your child can only do in one bathroom isn't finished yet — the goal is that it works everywhere.
One arm at a time
After the head is through, do one sleeve fully before starting the other — trying both arms together is where most children get stuck. If finding the sleeve opening is hard, hold it open for them at first, then slowly let them do more of it themselves.
