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Demi Burnett shared a specific sensory perception associated with her autism diagnosis and said that the discomfort caused by clothing will make her change her clothes very often during the day. The ‘Bachelor’ alumna admitted that she usually has at least three changes of clothes before settling on one, and this is her way of handling the sensory issues that are characteristic of people with autism. Her words brought an instant understanding from those who experience the same problem with their sensitive clothes.
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In the video that Demi posted along with her post, she talked more about the subject of autism, particularly the women’s field. “Autism and women, one of the major signs that I did not know before I was diagnosed was just changing your clothes a lot,” she said. “If it makes you think of anything at all… it is because they are changing clothes a lot since they are having sensory issues with everything that they are wearing. And we don’t realize that it’s what it is. So that’s why we end up repeating the same things over and over again because we are sure that they are comfortable.”
People just replied instantly to her and it was very much relatable to them. One of the replies even depicted the unwinding after work process thoroughly: “When I get home the second time, I am off, including clothes, necklace, earrings, rings… and on a nice big comfy t-shirt (with NO TAG) and sweatpants or PJ pants. Hair goes up and I am happy.” This statement perfectly reflects the complete range of sensory relief that many neurodivergent individuals seek after enduring a day with uncomfortable clothes.
Another person came up with a problem regarding clothing discomfort and said: “A big reason I started sewing! I want more clothes that don’t make me want to rip them off of me.” This proactive approach to the sensory issue problem reveals that some people are prepared to go the extreme, quite literally, and even sew their own clothes just to have garments that meet their specific comfort requirements. This comment has also initiated the discussion about learning to make one’s own garments as a viable solution.
The discussion revealed the different kinds of sensory-related issues in clothing. One user had to say that he or she had the same color and same style of sweats all through the 5th grade while another confessed having a daily ritual of wearing a sweater: “I wear the same sweater daily. I go out in an outfit and come home immediately and put on my big orange sweater because it’s not overwhelming for me and is comfortable.” Thus, the theme of relying upon the trusted and comfortable items emerged, which many respondents could relate to.
Others pointed to the specific physical sensations that made them change clothes really often. “Right here. And I totally own it when I tell people I gotta change, ‘this shirt is too noisy’ and ‘these pants make me angry.’” This shout-out was from a person who also claimed to have synesthesia. Another one went on to question Burnett directly: “Do you ever get the itchy buzzy just ugghh sensation all over the body from a waistband? Like if it sits in the wrong place at all, too high or too low, or the fabric around the waist is somehow differing?”
One of such persons commented on misconceptions regarding autism: “I was told I don’t have autism because I have good social skills.” Such a statement suggests that sensory problems, similar to clothing discomfort sometimes, are ignored when focusing on the strong social aspect of the disability associated with autism.
However, humor was part of the conversation, and one person made a joke about it: “I am like a cartoon character that wears the same stuff all the time… but with a huge pile of clothes that don’t fit me! And the pile is on a chair. Forever.” Another one said: “And also maybe a little because I would hate for the rest of my clothes to feel left out,” to which Burnett herself replied: “I get you. they all wanna be worn.”
The immense amount of responses ranging from those who change outfits multiple times a day to those who find comfort in repeating the same trusted items, is a very clear representation of how different sensory processing can be in daily life. For many people, Burnett’s post was like an affirmation of their experiences that were not previously connected with being neurodivergent.
The openness of Burnett to talk about just one aspect of her autism experience has led to a more general discussion on sensory needs and their impact on daily life. The interactive response indicates that a lot of people were pleased to find out that they are not the only ones who have to deal with clothing choices that for others may be simple or straightforward. Her post is yet another example of the fact that by sharing their personal neurodivergent experiences, public figures can contribute to building community understanding and self-awareness among people with similar traits. She has also been open about her journey to sobriety, which adds another layer to her public sharing.
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In other news, Demi Burnett recently joked about getting Botox. Her candid nature extends to various aspects of her life, including her fashion choices, as seen when she stunned in a silver gown at a premiere event. Her experiences on television have also connected her with others in the reality TV world, such as when Madison Prewett Troutt welcomed Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici to her podcast. More recently, Demi Burnett made headlines for slamming Huda and praising Olandria after a Love Island reunion.
