2025-03-25 • 31 min
Sense-Ational You: Sensory Friendly Clothing and Adaptive Fashion with Julia DeNey
Autistic Techie
Play
Summary
Adaptive fashion is a burgeoning industry, and neurodivergent people are in need of sensory friendly clothing. Sense-Ational You is a clothing line whose mission is to address the sensory and accessibility needs of kids and adults everywhere. Julia DeNey joins Autistic Techie to talk about the journey to founding Sense-Ational You, how her studies and experiences led her to this career path, and how the brand creates community for people who may never have had one.
Connect with Julia DeNey and Sense-Ational You:
https://shopsenseationalyou.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sense-ational-you/posts/
Takeaways
- Julia DeNey founded Sense-Ational You to address sensory needs in clothing.
- The journey began with volunteering at an autism preschool.
- There is a gap in education regarding sensory needs and clothing.
- Community feedback is crucial for product development.
- Post-pandemic, the focus has shifted to community experiences.
- Clothing can serve as a traveling safe space for autistic individuals.
- Many parents feel isolated and seek resources for their children.
- Managing expectations is important for parents seeking solutions.
- Designing for sensory needs requires understanding individual preferences.
- Quality and longevity in clothing are essential for autistic individuals.
Chapters
00:00: Introduction to Sensational You
01:26: The Journey Begins: From Fashion to Autism Advocacy
03:56: Bridging the Gap: Education and Sensory Needs
05:22: Gathering Insights: The Role of Community and Social Media
07:52: Adapting to a New Normal: Post-Pandemic Strategies
09:50: Customer Stories: The Impact of Sensory Clothing
11:51: Building Community: Resources and Support
13:57: Managing Expectations: The Reality of Sensory Solutions
15:56: Designing for Diversity: Addressing Varied Sensory Needs
18:14: Quality Over Quantity: The Importance of Durable Clothing
20:44: Expanding the Reach: Adult Sizes and Longevity
23:22: Sustainability: Upcycling and Recycling Initiatives
26:07: Future Goals: Expanding Offerings and Community Engagement