Neurodiversity refers to several neurological differences, including Autism, OCD, ADHD, and Dyslexia, to name a few. Neurodivergent people have many thoughts running in their minds. For instance – Will the clothes cling to me? What if the clothes come with itchy labels? Will the material be soft, fluffy, or harsh? These are some of the questions which neurodivergent people go through while buying clothes. It becomes all the more important for neurodivergent patients having sensory needs. But do you need to encounter all these questions anymore? Obviously not. We have gathered here to put more light on clothing needs and neurodiversity. Let’s get started.
Importance of material and fit
Neurodivergent people prefer oversized clothing rather than tight or clingy designs. They don’t want to feel too stiff in tight clothing. The clothing has less contact with your skin which reduces skin sensitivity. You can embrace diversity and inclusion at the same time with this clothing as it is long enough and requires only a little adjustment. The clothing materials also play an important factor. Most neurodivergent people tend to buy clothing of soft materials which are easy to move and stay intact or in good quality when you wash them. So, choose the material that suits your sensory needs.
Choice and gender expression
Making an outfit choice is a common dilemma for all people. There are many reasons for it. Neurodivergent people could have the reasons like availability of too much choice, being confused about what goes together, or simply the gender expression of the clothes. Too much choice makes it quite challenging to find out the best option for yourself. Plan your outfits in advance to ease the process of dressing quickly. Support your identity in choosing the right outfit. That embraces diversity and inclusion.
The way finer details impact sensory needs
The area which needs improvement in fashion is clothing design, particularly making it more inclusive. It not only holds true for neurodivergent people but also for the community of disabled people in general. Simple things like designing a smart trouser with a stretchy waistband can work wonders in improving the clothing choice for disabled people.
Other finer details like necklines and pocket size can also influence your sensory needs. Autistic persons often find out entangled in the challenge of high necklines as they are uncomfortable. So choose the clothing piece that makes you relax if you wear it around your neck.
Defining sensory seeking
Neurodivergent people sometimes can sensory seek. It is the process where someone fits in a sensory experience to receive feedback from their environment. It makes them feel more present at the moment.
To sum it up
Sensory needs in the clothing industry often get unnoticed in the fashion industry. But it has a huge impact on neurodivergent people. It is remarkable to note that neurodiversity affects people at different levels. A good experience for one can become a problem for another. The above-mentioned points explained the clothing needs of neurodivergent people and their sensory seeking.
