Design and Product Development

Developing Adaptive Apparel for Autistic Children Grounded in the Perspectives of Caregivers

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Abstract

Autistic children often experience sensory sensitivities and motor challenges that make dressing a significant daily barrier. Despite growing awareness, commercially available clothing rarely accommodates their functional, emotional, and expressive needs. This study explored clothing-related challenges from the perspectives of caregivers and developed adaptive apparel using a User-Centered Design (UCD) approach. Thirteen caregivers from autism centers in Jeddah participated in semi-structured interviews, providing insights that informed initial design sketches. Thematic analysis revealed three core needs: functional comfort and safety, emphasizing soft fabrics, wide necklines, and simplified fasteners; aesthetic simplicity, prioritizing minimal, safe embellishments and coordinated color schemes; and expressive and social needs, highlighting clothing that supports confidence and peer inclusion. These findings guided a participatory co-design process that produced refined CAD designs and a final physical prototype. The study underscores the importance of caregiver-informed design in creating adaptive apparel that enhances comfort, independence, and social engagement for autistic children. 

Keywords: Adaptive apparel, Autistic children, UCD model, Inclusive design, Functional clothing

How to Cite:

Almorshed, O., Debes, R. & Tawfiq, W. A., (2025) “Developing Adaptive Apparel for Autistic Children Grounded in the Perspectives of Caregivers”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 1(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18963