Alex Here! Recently, I figured out a good way to describe my personal style (the clothes I wear/ way I present myself) ad I've decided to call it Neuro-Alt
Neuro-Alt is a very vague term, and that's on purpose! I describe it as an alternative style (differing from societal norms in clothing and presentation) that's relating to your neurodivergency. A good example would be someone wearing wildly varying colors, that many would consider mismatched, because the fabric is a safe fabric. The color didn't matter in the choice because sensory feeling is more important.
Today we wore a tank top, no bra, leggings that were patterned with skulls, and a white button up left open. It was an unconventional outfit, but I chose it based on personal style and the issues we experience with tags and seams. We also had a chew necklace on!
A lot of research papers covering Autism do mention that a lot of autistic folks have an "eccentric" style, and as an autistic system, we fully resonate with that description. That eccentricity in our style, and the fabric choices and the out-loud expression of our neurodivergencies, it's all important to us!
Some things that would probably be considered part of Neuro-Alt: a non exhaustive list
Bright and fun patterns worn because it's stimulating to look at
Wearing chewelry and stimming freely
Wearing noise cancelling earphones or shades (indoors!!)
Wearing a mismatch of clothes and colors for comfort over fashion
Traditional Alternative style influenced by neurodivergency
"This is my Special Interest/ Hyperfixation and I have to let everyone know" clothes
Not caring about current fads and trends when deciding how to dress
This is not a (-)punk movement! However, it could be connected to Neuropunk if the person taking part is also in that scene. But to make it clear, Neuro-Alt is just a Descriptor term for a style, not a movement.
