PaTch is a portable embroidered textile used to promote positive stimulation in children with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD). The “T” in PaTch stands for texture and touch.
What is a Sensory Processing Disorder?
As defined by a New York based Occupational Therapist Amy Hagopian, ‘It is when a person has difficulty processing senses around them and are over-stimulated or under-stimulated. Which leads to attention seeking behaviors or attention repressing (shutting down).’
Some telltale signs of under-stimulation include; hard hugging, poking, gripping pencils, stomping/making loud noises, and shirt chewing.
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With this knowledge of stimulation seeking behaviors I wanted to create something that promoted positive stimulation while being portable, cleanable, and fun. Something a child would be proud to show off and not embarrassed by.
How can I create something that has the purpose of calming sensory seeking while not looking like that is its purpose?
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This is an image of my brother Elias at age 8 with his shirt collar all chewed up. He is displaying one of the most common signs of a child who is sensory seeking.
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Exploration of textures used in different contexts.
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Exploration of textured embroidered PaTches with the use of a snap attachment and flexible vs boning. The cons of the snap attachment: Difficulty snapping PaTch on and off, having to hand sew snap onto fabric, and underside stitching is irritating to the skin. The pros of the boning is that it makes the PaTch easier to snap on and off.
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Exploration of textured embroidered PaTches with velcro backing. The velcro backing makes it easy to take on and off, stick on velcro leaves no underside stitching that could be irritating on the skin, and no sewing is needed to attach to clothing.
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What is a Sensory Processing Disorder?
As defined by a New York based Occupational Therapist Amy Hagopian, ‘It is when a person has difficulty processing senses around them and are over-stimulated or under-stimulated. Which leads to attention seeking behaviors or attention repressing (shutting down).’
Some telltale signs of under-stimulation include; hard hugging, poking, gripping pencils, stomping/making loud noises, and shirt chewing.
With this knowledge of stimulation seeking behaviors I wanted to create something that promoted positive stimulation while being portable, cleanable, and fun. Something a child would be proud to show off and not embarrassed by.
How can I create something that has the purpose of calming sensory seeking while not looking like that is its purpose?
This is an image of my brother Elias at age 8 with his shirt collar all chewed up. He is displaying one of the most common signs of a child who is sensory seeking.
Exploration of textures used in different contexts.
Exploration of textured embroidered PaTches with velcro backing. The velcro backing makes it easy to take on and off, stick on velcro leaves no underside stitching that could be irritating on the skin, and no sewing is needed to attach to clothing.