How can I get my 2 year old to wear shoes?

It seems to me that he understands that sometimes one has to wear shoes (walking outside). When you talk about the move, explain in the new place he will have to wear shoes outside in the stroller. Once you get there, be very clear and consistent about the new rule. I'm guessing that if you make it clear and follow through, he will follow along. You might also consider a rule that says bare feet are allowed for playing outside when the temperature is above x. I did this with my son (about long pants in the summer) when he was three. Made a picture of the thermometer showing which termperatures required shoes and which are optional for play. (Still need them for leaving the yard). When he wants to go out, check the thermometer together and see if he needs shoes for playing. That way you have a basis for letting him playing barefoot without breaking your rules.

If he understands that he has to wear them outside-and does-then I submit this is a discipline problem and not a shoe problem. Simply change the rule to-if mom and dad put them on they have to stay on till permission to remove them is given. Stroller=shoes. Car=shoes. The secret to parenting at any age is to make them understand that mom and dad's word is LAW. I would of course check the fit and the comfort of what you put on your child-that's fair enough. (I do think one should make as few rules as possible then enforce the heck out of the ones you make.)

My kid wasn't very verbal at all until age 3. So I wouldn't worry about the autism bit unless there are other issues to go with.

Also, have you tried putting his socks on him inside out? Sometimes the seam at the toe can be really irritating. Either that or look for the seamless socks.

Tactile defensiveness/sensory overload?

Me and a lot of my family hate socks and shoes. It's hard to describe, but I feel like I breathe through my feet. I can't sleep under tucked in blankets because if I can't get my feet out it triggers a feeling of claustrophobia. I would wear shoes to school and formal outings, but they came off the minute I got home. Feetie pjs gave/give me major heebie-jeebies. That said, when it was cold out I wore shoes and it wasn't really an issue. Maybe see how he deals with the change in climate before worrying about it?

My niece(10) and nephew(8) are two totally anti-shoe kids. As soon as they get inside a house they take their shoes and socks off. Doesn't matter who's house it is. If they're in the car longer than 10 minutes the shoes and socks come off. They both absolutely refuse to wear socks with any kind of seam at the toe. Their grandma doesn't quite understand this, so every Christmas my kids get the socks she sends them. Makes my life easier. I don't know what brand my sister-in-law gets, but I know they tried a bunch of different brands before the kids found ones they like. Now that's all they buy. I completely understand, there is something acutely irritating about a sock seam that somehow gets between your toe and toenail. For the record, both kids are very healthy socially and academically so being sensitive to shoes and socks doesn't have to mean autism. As a matter of fact my nephew is very quiet and still doesn't talk much, but that's just his personality.

By the Grace of God - we had him evaluated (throughly!) 2 months ago regarding his speech delay. The 4 (!) different evaluators did not feel that autism was a concern.

At my son's daycare, another kid (3 years old) didn't like wearing his shoes either and always took them off in the room. The rule at daycare is mandatory shoes. Apparently, after a few days of this kid continually taking his shoes off, his dad solved the problem by wrapping duct tape several times around the shoe over the laces to MAKE the kid keep them on. I have to say, I was surprised at seeing him that way when I walked in one morning to drop off my son and after hearing the story, could hardly control my laughter. About a week later, no duct tape and no shoe issues. (Story is real; advice is in jest). =)