Autistic non-binary person wearing blue Amor Sensory chest binder.

Autism and chest binding

Autism and chest binding

Autistic people are more likely to want to bind their chests than non-autistic people. This is because autistic people are more likely to experience gender dysphoria, meaning they might wish for their chest to have a flatter appearance. But, it can also be because chest binding can be very comfortable for people with autism, as it provides compression and support.

Some autistic people like to wear tight clothing that feels like a hug. This is called sensory seeking and is one way that autistic people can self-regulate and feel comfortable in their skin. However, autism is a neurotype that affects everyone differently. For some autistic people, this can mean that they experience hypersensitivity or sensory overload when exposed to certain stimuli. This can be anything from bright lights or loud noises to feeling overwhelmed by strong smells or fabrics.

Sensory sensitivities can make it difficult for autistic people to engage in everyday activities and can make it particularly challenging to find comfortable clothing. Some autistic people find that they are very sensitive to the textures of fabric. The feeling of seams against their skin be painful, and labels inside of clothing can cause itching and irritability. For these people, it can be hard to find comfortable clothing. This is especially the case for autistic people who bind their chests.

Chest binding can be a great way for autistic people to feel comfortable in their bodies. It can help reduce anxiety and dysphoria, and allow them to express their gender in the way that feels best for them. However, many autistic trans and gender-diverse people find chest binding uncomfortable or even painful, as it can aggravate their hypersensitivity.

It doesn't have to be a struggle. There are ways to make chest binding more comfortable and less overwhelming for autistic people. Firstly, it is important to choose a comfortable and safe binding method. There are a range of binding methods available, but some are better suited for autistic people than others. Compression tops or chest binders designed to be sensory-friendly are the most comfortable and safe option, as they provide gentle compression without too much constriction.

Amor Sensory offers comfortable chest binders that are the best option for those with sensory sensitivities. They have been specifically designed to be sensory-friendly for autistic people. These binders are made from soft materials and are designed to put less pressure on the body than typical chest binders. Unlike many other binders, Amor Binders have no exposed or bulky seams that dig in, so they are less likely to cause irritation, hypersensitivity, or sensory overload. They also come in a range of sizes and styles to suit different body types and needs.

If you are an autistic trans or gender-diverse person who struggles with sensory sensitivities and wants to bind your chest, try using a sensory-friendly binder from Amor Sensory. They will help make chest binding more comfortable and less overwhelming for you.