This SETU expert studies sensory-friendly clothes for autistic children

Syeda Maryam Hussain, a PhD researcher at the South East Technological University’s Walton Institute, is investigating the creation of sensory-friendly clothing for autistic children. Her research within the Mobile Ecosystem Pervasive Systems division centers on textile design, smart materials, and functional garment development.

Hussain's doctoral thesis focuses on integrating smart textiles and electromyography sensing to develop adaptive training systems customized to the requirements of children with autism. Her Master's degree in advanced clothing and fashion hails from the National Textile University in Pakistan, while her Bachelor's degree in craft and textile design comes from Lahore College for Women University, where she also taught.

The researcher is currently conducting a survey of parents and caregivers of autistic children to gain insights into their experiences and preferences while purchasing clothing. This phase aims to uncover preferred fabric types and common challenges faced in the clothing shopping process. The findings will be instrumental in shaping the co-design phase, which will ultimately lead to the development and prototyping of garments tailored to the needs of autistic children.

The significance of this research lies in the recognition of clothing's role in everyday comfort and wellbeing, which is often disregarded for autistic children. By understanding parents' experiences and identifying preferred fabric types, this research can contribute to designing more comfortable, accessible, and inclusive clothing solutions, improving the quality of life for these children and their families.

Hussain's motivation for this project stems from her personal connection to the subject through her nephew with autism and her academic background. The research seeks to address the limited existing information on the clothing needs of autistic individuals, particularly concerning sensory preferences, and to dispel the notion that clothing is a trivial issue.

By shedding light on the importance of inclusive and sensory-friendly design, Hussain hopes to raise public awareness and engage with the community, ensuring that their experiences guide the research process and findings are communicated effectively.