Hi Ali,

I've hated buttons (and I hate snaps even more!!) since I was 6
years old if not earlier. All I can tell you is that it should get
*somewhat* better as she gets older. I used to not be able to wear
any buttons or snaps at all, or eat in view of anyone wearing them.
Now I can wear certain buttons (but still not snaps...ewww) and eat
in view of people wearing them. Sometimes it still makes me feel a
little sick but I have to squelch that feeling now that I am an
adult haha. When giving hugs to someone wearing them, I just try not
to touch them...I give them one of those "pat on the back" hugs.

I think the fear of eating while looking at someone wearing buttons
comes from imagining what it would be like if they spilled food or
drink on their buttons. (Ewwwww this still makes me sick...it's also
hard for me to touch wet clothing with buttons when moving it from
the washer to the dryer.) I still haven't overcome this completely.
Just the other day I had to fight back a gag when I spilled
something on my work uniform.

It's really pretty easy to find nice clothing without buttons,
except in the case of the dreaded uniforms. I agree with the other
poster who said that buttons in the shape of animals are a little
easier to handle. Also larger buttons (like those on pea coats) and
wooden buttons have never been a problem for me. See if you can find
out if your daughter feels the same way.

~Lisa