Clothes, Sensory Experiences and Autism: Is Wearing the Right Fabric Important?

Chrysovalanto Kyriacou; Rachel Forrester-Jones; Paraskevi Triantafyllopoulou

doi:10.1007/s10803-021-05140-3

Clothes, Sensory Experiences and Autism: Is Wearing the Right Fabric Important?

Chrysovalanto Kyriacou, Rachel Forrester-Jones, Paraskevi Triantafyllopoulou

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Tactile defensiveness in autistic individuals is the least investigated sensory modality. The current multi-component, explorative study aimed to understand the experiences of ten autistic adults regarding tactile defensiveness and fabrics, using semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Participants were asked to discuss the effects of seven provided samples of fabrics and were also asked to bring their ‘favourite’ fabric (s) and express their thoughts about their choices. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Content Analysis, the findings showed that some fabrics can impact individuals’ reported wellbeing. Participants’ experiences with several stimuli appeared to have helped them implement coping strategies. By understanding tactile defensiveness, society could move towards increasing autism-friendly approaches with appropriate fabrics. Recommendations for future research, policy and practice are also discussed.

Original language	English
Journal	Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Early online date	21 Jul 2021
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05140-3
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 21 Jul 2021

Keywords

Autism
Clothes
Fabrics
Sensory differences
Tactile defensiveness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Developmental and Educational Psychology

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10.1007/s10803-021-05140-3Licence: CC BY

Cite this

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Clothes, Sensory Experiences and Autism: Is Wearing the Right Fabric Important?

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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