All about the only Sensory Onesie in the world!

It is estimated that more than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and in the UK there are around 700,000 people affected by this lifelong developmental disability.

Working alongside The National Autistic Society, we wanted to create clothing that could make everyone feel Snuggeltastic®.

NAS arranged for children with Autism to come and visit us here at The All-in-One Company to help us design a Onesie that was suitable to wear.

“An extra aspect of autism, which isn’t in the diagnostic criteria, is the sensory element – and it’s very apparent,”said Helen Sutherland, the mother of one of the children. “It can be smell, it can be taste, it can be texture…but – generally, definitely – it can be touch.”

Helen, from Belford, chairs the North Northumberland branch of the National Autistic Society.

Helen’s daughter, nine-year-old Daphne has two. “One is a cast off and one was a present – but they just hang in the wardrobe,” said her mother.

Daphne finds leggings too tight and dresses instead in boys’ trousers because they are much baggier. “We have to choose clothes so carefully.  Children don’t like labels because they find them really scratchy.  They’re hypersensitive to seams and materials. Tight cuffs irritate them. They don’t like press studs as opposed to zips,” said Helen.

Daphne, her friend Grace – who’s also nine – and other children with autism were also involved in the creation of the Sensory Onesie.

 They were asked which fabrics they preferred for softness, warmth and comfort and what they would find uncomfortable.

"The girls have thoroughly enjoyed it.  It’s given them a voice.  They know they’ve been listened to.  I think that’s huge for them.  It makes them feel less of a minority,” said Grace’s mother Claire Wilce, who lives in Chatton in Northumberland. Grace’s two brothers are also autistic.

Donna Swan, who runs Calmer Therapy – a support group in Ashington for parents of children with additional needs – also brought her son, 10-year-old Joshua, and eight other children to The All-in-One Company.

“He has to wear a white t-shirt under everything,” she said. “He’ll not wear jeans or anything that’s too tight or anything that comes to his neck.  But there are children who are a lot worse than him.  For some, it’s quite painful, and can lead to massive behavioural problems.”

She added: “Something as simple as changing their clothes can just fix it like that – like a magic wand. Trying to get him out of his Onesie might become another issue, though!”

“The children all told me what they wanted on their Onesies and having the ability to choose not to have a hood or feet or to have the feet detachable was a huge revelation. They loved the idea of creating their own and making it just as they wanted,” she said.

“When given their first Sensory Onesie to try all three children loved them and didn’t want to take them off to go home! We are over the moon to have been able to help the National Autistic Society and children and adults affected by autism, making their lives a little bit more comfortable and snuggletastic.”

In March 2017, we launched the worlds first Sensory Onesie.

Sewn in a way that seams feel seamless, there is nothing that causes irritation. No labels are sewn into the Onesie, and you can request a complimentary fabric sample pack with our 'Feel First' service, so you can select the fabric that feels best for you.

There are absolutely no limitations, you can still design your Onesie exactly how you want it, from hoods, tails, feet, ears and even embroidery.

Inside the onesie, you'll find a zip cover in the fabric you have selected so it'll feel nice and soft against the skin. Any embroidery will also have a fabric backing to prevent any discomfort.

Kelly Railton, of the National Autistic Society, said: “Many autistic people are acutely sensitive to the texture of standard clothing fabrics and to seams and labels. This can mean that they are unable to put on clothes which others find comfortable to wear.

“We’re also very grateful to The All-in-One Company for donating 5% from the sale of this onesie to the charity, which will help provide vital support to autistic people and their families across the UK.”

Everyone deserves to feel Snuggletastic®

Create-your-Own Sensory Onesie >>