Transforming Fashion for Sensory Needs: An Interview with Julia, Adaptive Apparel Pioneer

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out!  I'm thrilled to introduce Julia, a dynamic problem solver who has combined her background in education and fashion design to create sensory-friendly and adaptive apparel for children with tactile sensitivities. Julia's journey took her from a fashion design student at Cornell University to working in special education, where she saw firsthand the challenges faced by kids with sensory needs. Her innovative clothing designs have no tags, flat seams, and include features like built-in sound reduction and adjustable compression, aimed at enhancing comfort and sensory regulation. Julia shares her inspiring journey, the impact of her designs in the classroom, and her vision for expanding her business to help even more families. In this episode you'll hear about: Julia's Background Development of Sensory-friendly Clothing The realization of the clothing need in an autism preschool Producing adaptive apparel on a larger scale Combining sensory tools into comfortable clothing Innovative Features of the Clothing Benefits of these clothing Practical Applications in the Classroom Using compression shirts as part of a daily routine Initial small-scale production and trials in the classroom Leaving teaching to focus on expanding the business Future goals Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? How to Help Kids with Sensory Issues with Clothes Clothing Sensitivity Red Flags How To Handle Your Child's Sensory Issues With Clothing Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents Shop Sensational You Connect with our Guest, Julia DeNey Julia graduated from Cornell University in 2020 with a bachelor's in Fashion Design and minors in Human Development and Business. After graduating, she began teaching in special education with autistic students. She saw her students struggle with clothing and sensory regulation. She used her expertise in fashion to design a line of adaptive clothing to help them with their sensory needs and stay regulated. At Sense-ational You, they are on a mission to increase the inclusion and academic success of autistic children through clothing that integrates sensory tools discreetly into the design for convenient regulation anywhere. Connect with Julia here.