Compression tops for autism link to binder use?

[Nightowlagain]

I read something recently about people with autism sometimes feeling that being held tightly helps them with their sensory overload. And that there may be a link there with wearing binders? I found a website here that sells these, and explains the science behind it. A quote:

“Deep touch pressure refers to a form of tactile sensory input which is often provided by firm holding, firm stroking, cuddling, hugging, and squeezing. Deep touch pressure acts as a calming or focusing agent“

This might help to explain the link between autistic girls and the wearing of binders, and the feeling that they are doing the right thing by wearing them. The way it helps them process information might be misinterpreted by them as making them feel ‘right’ living as a boy? I really worry about young women harming themselves in this way when they most likely need some other kind of support to live a long healthy life.

Deep touch pressure refers to a form of tactile sensory input which is often provided by firm holding, firm stroking, cuddling, hugging, and squeezing. Deep touch pressure acts as a calming or focusing agent

This is true, my child with autism experiences this. But not all with autism have the same sensory sensitivities, they vary considerably. I’ve never heard of this product, but am always dubious of companies making money off things like this. My DD thinks this product unnecessary for example. She just hugs us instead! A lot! I’m not sure how strong the link is with this sort of thing and binders, which are not the same thing to me. Of course some with ulterior motives may use the knowledge we have re deep touch pressure and autism, for their own agenda, I can definitely believe that. So perhaps autism awareness is even more important, so we can let children know safe ways to achieve deep touch pressure. Self harm is also quite high with those affected by this sensory sensitivity, one way we know of to address that, is wrist bands that they can snap or twist to achieve the same feeling.

jessica I realise that not all people with autism have the same experiences, I just read about this and thought it might go some way to explain the correlation we are seeing between autistic girls in particular and the rise in this group seeking to transition.

Of course. That wasn’t an accusation just worthwhile for anyone reading.

My daughter experiences this, but she likes pressure on her abdomen, not her breasts. She wears a comfy crop top instead of a bra.

I thought that - I’ve done a course for parents of children with sensory processing disorder (run by occupational therapists - highly recommend it!) and liking the tight feel of the binder was mentioned on the Pique Resilience Podcast:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=bQT0a8cmt7A

Put me in mind of the relief some autistic people get from weighted blankets etc.

I’ve done a course for parents of children with sensory processing disorder thank you!

I'm autistic and the reason why I don't like having boobs is because they used to attract attention when I was younger. Any unwanted interaction wasn't something I wanted and I don't like communicating on a sexual level as I can't do it and it's not a clear way of communicating.

My clothing has always been neutral and plain and I've never dressed to attract the opposite sex.