Occupational Therapist favorite sensory compression shirt!
This compression shirt has a built in compression undershirt that is fully adjustable from both sides using velcro- just like a compression vest. This allows for an increase or decrease of sensory input as needed to keep them regulated. The compression shirt can even be set to give no compression when they don't need it.
When to Wear:
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to when our Compression Lined T-Shirt should be worn. Sensory diets vary from child to child, with some needing sensory input in 20 minute increments, while others wear it all day. What's consistent, though, is the benefit of proprioceptive input that our garment provides. It helps increase bodily awareness, calming the nervous system and aiding in focus and attention. It's an ideal choice for sensory seekers, those who crave tight hugs, jumping and crashing into things, and the comforting feeling of weighted blankets and compression sheets.
Designed for Convenience:
Originally, our Compression Lined T-Shirt was conceived as a non-adjustable, clean athletic compression lining. However, input from occupational therapists and the evolving understanding of sensory plans led us to design it with adjustability in mind. This feature ensures that users can tailor the compression to their specific needs, avoiding discomfort or desensitization from prolonged compression. Plus, therapists emphasized the importance of not having to take it on and off throughout the day – you can simply wear it and adjust the compression as needed.
Inspiration Behind the Compression Lined T-Shirt:
Our Compression Lined T-Shirt, designed specifically as a Compression Shirt for Autism, was born out of the need to provide a more convenient solution for individuals requiring sensory input, particularly neurodiverse children, both in school settings and at home. The idea stemmed from personal experiences in the classroom, where weighted or compression vests were often stored away, making it challenging to access them quickly when needed most. With limited staff and the ever present threat of unpredictability, finding the right time to retrieve the vest wasn't always feasible. Imagine being on the playground when a child with autism needs support – you can't just leave them to grab a vest, as chaos can erupt. That's where the inspiration for this innovative garment came to life.
About:
Hi! I am Julia DeNey, founder of Sense-ational You and I'd love to share the history of my company and why I am so passionate about it.
I founded Sense-ational You shortly graduating from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design in 2020. While at Cornell, I established and ran a volunteer partnership with a local autism preschool for my sorority and, from this passion, focused my fashion studies on the special needs of autistic children.
While developing the product and growing Sense-ational You, I worked as a special education para in autism classrooms for three years. During this time, I got to work hands-on with autistic children and the therapists and teachers who would be integrating the clothes into the school days and recommending these products to parents.
Recognizing the clothing market has long ignored the large group of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder, Sense-ational You aims to bring recognition and acceptance of this group into the fashion industry.
I use the influence fashion has to spread greater acceptance of neurodiversity. Adaptive fashion allows for conversation with other children about the needs of their peers. Everyone can enjoy a tag-free shirt or magnetic closure jacket, but some kids need to have them! By integrating sensory elements into our clothing, kids are never without the tools they rely on and are never isolated or picked on for the supports they need.
Our Mission is to increase the inclusion and academic success of autistic and sensory kids. We want to help all children feel safe, heard, and included everywhere they go through clothing that helps them regulate.
Our Vision is for sensory needs to be met and validated by providing tools that give children control of their surroundings.