For individuals with sensory sensitivities, particularly those who are neurodivergent and may have autism or ADHD, the experience of wearing uncomfortable clothing can be quite challenging. Issues like irritating tags, scratchy fabrics, or poor fits can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, making everyday activities tougher to handle.

Olivia Drewery, a vibrant 27-year-old from the United Kingdom, has personally navigated these challenges. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD in her early twenties, she reflected on her experiences in a recent TikTok video, expressing how enlightening her diagnosis was. "I spent most of my life feeling chronically overwhelmed, masking constantly, wondering why everyday things felt so f—ing difficult. Then I got diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and I was like, ‘OK, that makes a lot of sense.’"

This newfound understanding opened her eyes to the lack of suitable clothing options for individuals like herself. She posed an important question: “Why were there no lifestyle brands for people with brains like mine?” Drewery envisioned not just clothing with catchy slogans, but garments that truly complement the needs of neurodivergent individuals.

With this vision in mind, she set out to create a clothing line designed to facilitate self-stimulatory behavior, commonly known as "stimming." Stimming is a way for many neurodivergent people to manage sensory experiences. “For a lot of us with ADHD and autism, stimming is how we regulate. It helps us focus, calm our nervous system. It helps us stay present,” she explained.

Unfortunately, openly stimming can sometimes attract unwanted attention, leading many to mask their true selves. This was a challenge that kept Drewery feeling lost for a long time, but she found a way forward with the creation of the Stim Hoodie, a product from her brand, Club Neuro.

Olivia’s journey gained momentum as she documented her experiences on social media, where she shared her “autistic ADHD diaries” with a growing audience. This led to a partnership with Club Neuro co-founders Loukas Hambi and Sam Wright. Together, they dedicated ten months to perfecting the design of the Stim Hoodie.

This innovative hoodie is designed with discreet features that include removable stress balls in the cuffs, hidden stim toys in the pockets, a weighted fabric, and no tags—making it a truly comfortable option. It even has a large hood that can accommodate noise-cancelling headphones, as well as thumbholes for added convenience. As stated on Club Neuro’s website, “We believe your clothes should work with your brain — not against it.”

The thoughtful design was shaped by feedback from around 4,000 neurodivergent individuals who shared their insights on what they wanted in a clothing product. “This hoodie was shaped by thousands of neurodivergent voices,” Drewery noted, emphasizing the importance of this collaborative effort.

Now available in five colors and sizes ranging from XS to XXL, the Stim Hoodie is priced at $103 USD. It comes with the endorsement of experts from the Global ADHD Clinicians Network, highlighting its significance in addressing the needs of neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Pav Kooner, founder of the network, remarked that Club Neuro reflects the everyday realities faced by those with ADHD and autism, bridging the gap between awareness and practical support.

Olivia is thrilled about the launch of the Stim Hoodie and has poured her heart into this endeavor. “Because I’ve struggled so much in school settings, in university, in the workplace, in friendships, and social settings, I want to make sure that I’m raising awareness of ADHD and autism so people can see it themselves or recognize it in others,” she shared with the Yorkshire Evening Post. “I feel like I’m doing the right thing in my life.”

With her dream now a reality, Olivia’s journey is not just one of personal fulfillment, but also a beacon of hope for others navigating similar experiences. The Stim Hoodie stands as a testament to the power of creativity and community, making the world a brighter place for those who need it most.