Julia Davis *Winner

Idea Summary

Children and young people with autism often find everyday clothing uncomfortable due to sensory integration issues. These issues can lead to behaviours such as chewing cuffs, pulling fabric, or even removing clothing entirely when feeling stressed (Suarez, M.A., 2012). This affects not only the children but also their caregivers, impacting daily activities that many take for granted. Additionally, clothing designed to meet sensory needs often lacks personal expression, making fashion secondary. This design project aims to create a clothing item that supports sensory regulation and celebrates the individuality of each neurodivergent child and young person.

What the Project is About

This project seeks to design clothing that combines sensory-friendly features with aesthetic elements that reflect the wearer’s interests and personality. Traditional options for neurodivergent children often fail to address specific sensory needs adequately, leading to discomfort and stress. By integrating various sensory-friendly elements into a single, cohesive garment, this design offers a holistic solution that goes beyond the utilitarian or clinical appearance of current offerings. The goal is to provide clothing that not only supports sensory regulation but also promotes self-expression and confidence.

What I Was Trying to Achieve

The primary objective was to create a clothing item that meets the unique sensory needs of neurodivergent children and young people while allowing them to express their individuality. The design aims to support sensory regulation through the use of specific textures, weights, and structures that provide comfort and soothing effects. Additionally, it focuses on offering customisation options to reflect the wearer’s interests and personality. By combining these elements, the project seeks to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent children and their caregivers, making daily routines smoother and more enjoyable.

What is Unique About Your Design

The uniqueness of this design lies in its integration of multiple sensory-friendly features into a single garment. Current market offerings typically address sensory needs through soft, seamless clothing or separate sensory regulation items that are often clinical in appearance. This design, however, merges these features into one cohesive item, providing a comprehensive solution. It incorporates adaptive elements like weighted pockets, chewable cuffs, and easy-to-manage fastenings, all while allowing for customization in colors, patterns, and accessories. This approach ensures that the clothing is both functional and expressive, catering to the sensory and aesthetic needs of neurodivergent children.

The Look and Feel of Your Design

The design focuses on comfort, functionality, and personal expression. Using soft, breathable, and non-irritating fabrics ensures that the clothing is comfortable for children with heightened sensory sensitivity. Seamless construction and hypoallergenic materials reduce irritation, while adaptive elements like weighted pockets and chewable cuffs provide sensory support. The garment is customisable, offering a variety of colors, patterns, and accessories that allow children to express their individuality. The overall look is modern and stylish, moving away from the clinical appearance of traditional sensory-friendly clothing, and creating a sense of confidence and inclusion for the wearer.

Design Process

The design process began with user research, engaging with neurodivergent children and their caregivers to gather insights into their needs and preferences. Feedback was recorded using collaborative tools like Padlet. Market analysis and literature review identified gaps and opportunities for innovation. Inspired by unorthodox clothing shapes, such as those by Rei Kawakubo, initial design concepts were developed and refined through a balance of sensory regulation features and aesthetic appeal. Prototypes were created and tested, incorporating feedback to enhance comfort, functionality, and appearance. The final design ensures high standards of comfort, functionality, and personalisation.

Expected Outcomes

The project aims to reduce discomfort and stress for neurodivergent children and young people, enhancing their daily lives. Customization options will help users express their individuality, boosting confidence. Caregivers will benefit from easier management of sensory-related issues, leading to smoother daily routines. By setting a new standard for inclusive and adaptive clothing design, this project has the potential to significantly impact the market, promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity through fashion.

Potential Impact

By integrating sensory-friendly features with personalized design elements, this project fills a significant gap in the market. It aims to improve the daily lives of neurodivergent children and their caregivers by providing clothing that meets their sensory needs and reflects their unique personalities. This approach promotes comfort, confidence, and a sense of belonging, setting a new standard for inclusive fashion and enhancing the quality of life for users.