Autism Awareness Day is also Independence Day, thanks to a new line of clothing designed to help autistic teens get dressed more easily—and stay on track.
The standard clothing features many of us take for granted — zippers, buttons, even tags — can be a challenge for teens with autism to navigate. That’s why Lauren Thierry, a former CNN anchor, eliminated them entirely when she designed her Independence Day line.
The clothes have no front or back, and they’re reversible, in case unsightly stains pop up. There’s also a rechargeable GPS device option in every piece of clothing, in case the child wanders or gets lost.
Theirry was inspired by her son, Liam, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was two-years-old. He’s spent the past twelve years learning how to get dressed.
“Autism can affect you cognitively, but also your fine motor skills and dexterity,” Theirry explained.
She worked closely with Dalila Anderson to design the clothing line, which was tested at the New York Child Learning Institute, a school for autistic children in College Point, Queens. As practical as the outfits are, they don’t sacrifice the “style” factor — an important quality for just about any teen. The outfits have a preppy flair inspired by Calvin Klein and Lilly Pulitzer.
The clothes can also benefit teens with other special needs like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.
Here’s to freedom—for both kids and parents alike.
(WATCH the company’s video below- Photos via Independence Day)