Why Getting Dressed is so Hard for Kids with Developmental Coordination Disorder (or Dyspraxia) and How We can Help Them
Aug 19, 2025
Getting dressed is another everyday task that can be surprisingly difficult for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) also known as Dyspraxia. As we parent these kiddos it helps to recognize that dressing is complicated! It requires fine motor coordination, motor planning, sequencing, postural control, bilateral integration, and sometimes sensory tolerance—all areas of potential difficulty in DCD.
Why Dressing is Hard for Kids with DCD
1. Motor Planning and Sequencing (Dyspraxia)
Children with DCD often struggle to form a mental map of what to do and in what order. Dressing isn’t one skill—it’s many small coordinated actions performed in a specific sequence:
• Choosing clothes
• Orienting them correctly (e.g., not putting a shirt on backward)
• Threading arms through sleeves, legs through pant holes
• Fastening zippers, buttons, snaps, shoelaces
• They may get stuck, skip steps, or put things on in the wrong order.
2. Fine and Gross Motor Skill Challenges
Buttons, zippers, and snaps require pincer grasp strength, dexterity, and visual-motor coordination. Pulling a shirt over the head or pants over the hips demands core strength, balance, and upper/lower body coordination. Bilateral coordination is key—one hand stabilizes while the other pulls or guides. Children with DCD often lack smooth integration of both sides of the body.
3. Postural Instability
Standing on one foot to put on pants or balance while dressing can be nearly impossible without falling or leaning. Many children avoid dressing unless seated, or they lean on furniture, walls, or people for support.
4. Visual-Spatial and Directional Confusion
They may struggle to tell front from back, left from right, or how clothes are supposed to align with their body. Sleeves might be twisted, pants may be put on backward, or shoes on the wrong feet—even if they’ve done it correctly before.
5. Slow Processing Speed
It often takes much longer for children with DCD to complete dressing, especially under time pressure. When rushed, they may freeze, become frustrated, or give up.
6. Sensory Processing Difficulties
Tags, seams, tight waistbands, or stiff fabrics may feel unbearable, leading to refusal or constant changing. This adds to the emotional toll of what should be a routine task.
What It Looks Like in Real Life
As a Parent you may describe:
• “She gets overwhelmed and just lies on the floor halfway through.”
• “He can’t figure out where his arms go in the shirt unless I help.”
• “She still can’t manage socks or putting on a jacket independently.”
• “He puts everything on backward unless I lay it out for him.”
• “He avoids clothes with buttons or laces.”
• “She’s late every morning because getting dressed takes so long.”
Helpful Strategies
1. Occupational Therapy
OT focuses on:
• Step-by-step motor training
• Practicing dressing in a supportive environment
• Teaching compensation strategies
• Using adaptive tools and clothing
Therapists may use backward chaining (e.g., have the child do the last step of putting on a shirt, then gradually more steps), visuals, and repeated motor practice.
2. Environmental and Task Modifications
-Lay out clothes in the correct order.
-Use clothing with: Elastic waistbands, Velcro instead of laces, Magnetic buttons or zipper pulls, Seamless socks and tagless shirts
-Label inside tags with colors or stickers to help distinguish front/back or left/right.
3. Postural Support
• Allow dressing while seated for balance and stability.
• Use a bench or low stool for socks and shoes.
4. Visual Aids and Checklists
• Use laminated visuals or dressing checklists in the bedroom.
• Include real photos or drawings of each step in the sequence.
5. Practice During Calm Times
Don’t teach or push dressing skills when your child is tired, rushed, or anxious. Instead, you can practice on weekends or evenings when there’s more time and less pressure.
6. Build in Time and Emotional Support
In order to reduce the stress for both you and your child you may want to allow extra time in the morning. And, in an effort to keep things positive, try focusing on connection over correction—celebrate small wins and minimize shame. You can also be proactive in teaching peers and siblings not to tease if your child still needs help. Encourage your child to advocate for themself too!
Here are some Sample School and Home Support Ideas
• Allow a change of clothes at school in case of spills or accidents.
• Let the child wear gym clothes to school if zippers or fasteners are hard.
• Build in dressing practice goals in IEPs under fine motor or ADL (activities of daily living) objectives.
Getting dressed is a complex task that requires executive function, fine and gross motor coordination, and sensory regulation. For boys and girls with DCD, challenges in any of these areas can turn dressing into a source of daily frustration and family stress.
But with targeted OT, adaptations, and your understandings as a parent, your child can develop more independence and confidence. Support should focus on scaffolding (a stepwise approach) the process, not rushing independence, and celebrating effort as much as outcome.
Parenting Alongside You,
Dr. Emma and the Aparently Parenting Team
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