Mom creates clothing line for autistic children and teens

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Picking out what to wear in the morning can be daunting for anyone.

But for 17-year-old Liam, the daily task of getting dressed can be a bit more of a struggle.

The Madison, Conn. resident has autism, which affects his motor skills, his mom, Lauren Thierry, told ABC News.

“I know it sounds like such a non-issue, and yet, if your kid can’t get dressed, they can’t get out of the house,” Thierry said. “You start to realize mom is not going to live forever.”

One particular memory stands out in Thierry’s mind. At a baseball game with the family, Liam left to use the washroom by himself, only to return with his pants around his ankles, Thierry told ABC.

The struggle sparked an idea and Independence Day Clothing was born – a fashion line designed for those living with handicaps or cognitive impairments.

With a background in financial journalism, Thierry had no fashion experience. But that didn’t stop her from finding a designer who helped her develop the line, without the use of zippers, buttons and laces.

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The clothes are also gender-neutral and without a designated front or back, making it easy for anyone to wear. Because those living with autism often have sensory issues, the clothing is also designed using soft and smooth cotton blends.

“These are clothes that are going to launch them into independence,” said Thierry.

Thierry has also included an option to add a GPS-tracker embedded in the clothes. While this may seem intrusive to some, she says it can be a great help.

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“I don’t look at it as a spy technique,“ she told ABC. "If you ever felt that pit in your stomach of, ‘Where is my special needs kid who cannot speak up or tell you where he lives,’ [you’ll understand.]”

Currently only sold online and to a few wholesalers, Thierry hopes to expand the line in the future, to include larger sizes and more styles.