About Custom Needs

Born from one family's journey with cerebral palsy - at Custom Needs, we believe words shape how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. 

For many, ‘special needs’ no longer captures the dignity and pride every person deserves, so we created a new way to talk about accommodations.

Our mission is to empower individuals and families through language, advocacy, and high-quality apparel designed to celebrate who they are — not what society labels them. Unlike typical advocacy clothing, every piece is made to be something you’re proud to wear.

Our Philosophy

People are Special. Needs are Custom. - It’s about recognizing that all people are special, and that ‘special’ as a word is separate from how the phrase "special needs" has been misused.

This isn't about replacing language for the sake of change - it's about having something between the patronizing tone of ‘special needs’ and the unrealistic idea that differences don’t affect our daily lives. ‘Custom’ acknowledges reality while honoring identity.

Imagine growing up hearing that your needs are 'custom' rather than 'special.' Imagine the difference in self-perception, in confidence, in how you navigate the world.

Learning Together

Growing up ashamed to have an IEP and accommodations because of executive functioning challenges, I never felt connected to the community. Now, as the very proud parent of a child with CP, I’m diving head-first into this world so she grows up knowing that who she is - exactly as she is - is something to be proud of.

I’m navigating this journey with humility, hoping to contribute respectfully to conversations that have been happening long before we arrived. There’s no playbook for this, but I believe that approaching it with genuine care and a willingness to listen is the right place to start.

This project is as much about my own growth and connection as it is about creating something meaningful for our community.

Our Community

Custom Needs creates apparel that celebrates neurodivergent and disabled communities - from autism and ADHD to cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and beyond. Our designs honor not just those navigating their unique paths, but the families, educators, therapists, and advocates who support them every day.

A Vision for Change

We hope that families, schools, organizations, and advocates will embrace this language shift. Every time someone chooses 'custom' over 'special,' we're collectively changing the narrative from deficit to design, from othering to elevating.

Join Our Movement

When you wear Custom Needs, you're helping to shift the conversation. You're part of a community that refuses to be diminished by language that no longer serves us, and instead pioneers words that empower the next generation.

Because People are Special. Needs are Custom.