La Trobe University is investigating the effect of a type of sensory vest on Autistic children’s mental health. It follows an earlier pilot study of six Autistic children that suggested sensory vests could have a positive effect on mood, sleep and self-regulation.
La Trobe has been approached by clothing manufacturer JettProof for an industry partner-initiated study to assess the effectiveness of its sensory vests. These close-fitting pieces of clothing are made from stretch fabric that provide continuous sensory input during daily routines including sleep.
Autistic children experience anxiety at six times the rate of non-Autistic children with families increasingly using NDIS funding to purchase sensory garments to treat anxiety in Autistic children.
The new two-year study, led by Professor Alison Lane, director of La Trobe’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre and funded by the Federal Government, will examine the effects of the JettProof sensory vests in more children, wearing the vests over a longer time.
While the study will focus solely on the JettProof product, it will also begin to understand the broader effects of sensory garments for Autistic children.
According to Lane more evidence was needed on sensory garments to guide health providers to make evidence-informed recommendations for Autistic children.
“Families are looking for reliable, affordable solutions,” she said. “This study is an opportunity to formally test what has been reported anecdotally from this therapy.”
The new study will involve 140 children from Melbourne and Perth, aged between eight and 12 years. Each will wear a sensory vest for three months. It will be carried out in partnership with The Kids Research Institute Australia.
The trial is expected to open recruitment for families to participate in the second half of 2025.