La Trobe University has been awarded more than $780,000 under the Federal Government's Medical Research Future Fund to investigate the effect of a type of sensory vest on Autistic children's mental health.
Autistic children experience anxiety at six times the rate of non-Autistic children.
Australian families are increasingly using NDIS funding to purchase sensory garments to treat anxiety in Autistic children.
The garments are close-fitting pieces of clothing made from stretch fabric that provide continuous sensory input during daily routines including sleep.
La Trobe has been approached by clothing manufacturer JettProof for an industry partner-initiated study to assess the effectiveness of its sensory vests.
A pilot study of six Autistic children carried out by La Trobe and JettProof in 2023 suggested sensory vests could have a positive effect on mood, sleep and self-regulation.
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 period of 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.
JettProof founder Michelle Ebbin developed sensory vests to help her own Autistic son, Jett, who she says at the age of three was non-verbal and experiencing 14 meltdowns each day.
After wearing the vests, Michelle says Jett's meltdowns stopped completely.
"Autistic children spend a lot of time focusing on their sensory needs, so keeping their sensory system calm is crucial for processing information and learning," Michelle said.
Autistic children are more likely to experience poor physical health, social worries, poor sleep, low mood and difficulties participating at school and in physical recreation.
Professor Lane said 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," Professor Lane 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.
The study will be carried out in partnership with The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Dr Gail Alvares is a senior research fellow at CliniKids at The Kids Research Institute Australia, which is leading the Perth site for the clinical trial.
Dr Alvares said families deserved access to high-quality and evidence-based solutions.
"This trial represents the first opportunity for researchers to provide high-quality scientific evidence to test the impact of wearing sensory vests on meaningful outcomes like anxiety and sleep."
La Trobe's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Industry Engagement Professor Chris Pakes said the project was a key example of research that had an impact on the wider community.
"This research has a tangible benefit to Autistic children and their families and is exemplary of the work being undertaken at La Trobe that leads to positive change," Professor Pakes said.
"I congratulate Alison on her grant success and this successful industry partnership."
The trial is expected to open recruitment for families to participate in the second half of 2025.
