Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello all,
I'm a fashion student studying in Wales and I hoped to make clothing that would benefit school aged children with autism. I wanted to know what are the things you look for in particular with clothes? Are there sensory toys that help? Are there particular colours that are favoured? I also wanted to know the things to avoid with clothing. I'm making these clothes with the goal of that they'll be easy to put on/off, won't over stimulate and hoped to make them so they're calming to wear/help with sensory issues.
Many thanks,
Anna
I think some of these things you mention are different for each child, a colour for instance that comforts one child might be over-stimulating to another. Fabrics too will differ from child to child in that some may prefer the feeling of being wrapped in heavy woollen layers whilst others need a light, silky, barely-there feel to combat the oppressive feeling of heavier fabrics.
I would suggest that any garments have reversed, or taped, seams and no labels on the inside as either of these can cause unbearable over-stimulation. Pockets are very important to some children too, large enough to be useful not the kind on jeans. Similarly hoods, large enough to drape.
Thank you very much for your comment, really helpful! I've definitely found in my research that seams can cause over-stimulation as well as labels. I'm hoping to visit a school and ask students with autism about their experience with clothing to get more knowledge. Will note down what you've said, many thanks!