Unspoken Inclusive Communication: Wearable Technology for Neurodivergent Children

Neurodivergent children often face challenges with their self-regulation. Many of their peers and educators lack the necessary tools to comprehend this disorder. Despite often having high intelligence, these children need support to thrive in today's educational system. As a fashion designer, I developed clothing with integrated therapeutic devices to aid in self-regulation. These discrete items were designed to merge seamlessly into everyday ready-to-wear clothing, allowing neurodivergent children to blend in amongst their peers. Phase one of my research includes an in depth investigation and observation of the current education system. There are significant political and bureaucratic obstacles. My research leads me to understand that the current system is not meeting the needs of these children, and existing standards of support and care are ineffective. The best option now is to find a way to collaborate with educators and build an effective catalogue of tools and resources. Wearable technology would be a helpful tool and/or a resource to assist instructors and educational assistants in recognizing when a child is entering an elevated state of stress or frustration. This technology could include garments that can detect a heightened state of temperature and or an increase in pulse-rate response in their body. Garments with therapeutic devices or wearable technology connected to an application (app) can notify or alert an educator when a student is experiencing heightened emotions. An open-source device built-in or attached to a garment in sensory areas can be positioned to connect with this application. This approach aims to provide more timely support and eliminate any guesswork in identifying critical cues.