Because people suffering from Autism sometimes get overwhelmed with things (sensory overload) and there are tools to help calm them down and comfort them. So, why wouldn't it work for someone suffering from depression, anxiety or BPD. This is for a person who may be dating someone who is intense, or whatever, NOT for Autism that is not what this site is about. Also, these therapies help teach empathy and reading emotions which can also help someone not suffering to read emotions better,etc.
vestibular input
Proprioceptive Input
Squeze Machine/Hug Machine
- Wikipedia - “The hug machine consists of two hinged side-boards, each four by three feet (120 cm by 90 cm) with thick soft padding, which form a V-shape, with a complex control box at one end and heavy-duty tubes leading to an air compressor. The user lies or squats, between the side-boards, for as long or short a period as desired. Using pressure exerted by the air compressor and controlled by the user, the side-boards apply deep pressure stimulation evenly across the lateral parts of the body.”
- Getting in Squeeze Machine.mp4 uploaded by TherafinCorporation
- The Squeeze Machine @ Cortical Chauvinism - “Some individuals with sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders can be overwhelmed with anxiety or panic; some can seek out intense contact experiences that can too be problematic. Applying deeper but safe pressure in slowly applied units for a 5 to 15 minute period can be soothing with extended calming or focusing for extended periods. ”
- Temple Grandin's "squeeze machine" research suggests benefits of weighted blankets @ Mosaic Weighted Blankets Blog - “The article outlined her studies on deep pressure touch therapy through use of a “squeeze machine” — a device she created for her own distinct sensory needs as a person with Autism and a staunch sensory avoider. In her trials using the “squeeze machine” over the prior decade she concluded,”
- Autism, PDD-NOS & Asperger's fact sheets | Temple Grandin's 'hug machine' @ Autism Help - “During her childhood years, Temple would crave deep pressure. She would crawl under sofa cushions or wrap herself in blankets to provide pressure. She stated that she could not obtain the 'right' amount of pressure from people because they either gave her too much deep pressure or too little.As a teenager, Temple observed cattle being branded in a squeeze chute at a relative's farm and noticed that they immediately calmed down after pressure was administered to them in the chute. Temple reasoned that the deep pressure from the chute led to an overall calming effect and thought it might be able to settle her 'over-stimulated nerves.' She then built her own device which is referred to as the 'Hug Box,' the 'Hug Machine', the 'Squeeze Machine,' or the 'Squeeze Box.' Temple still uses her 'Hug Box' on a regular basis to provide her the necessary deep pressure to cope with her anxiety.”
Steam Roller
- Special Needs Steamroller - Squeeze Machine @ Autism Steam Roller - The Steamroller is designed to provide the ideal heavy work that many kids with neurological processing disorders (SPD, Autism, etc. ) need. It can accommodate a small child up to an average sized adult. The individual crawls through or between the sets of rollers just like being wrung through a clothes ringer. Pressure exerted can be varied by adjusting the tension on the springs. Children should be supervised at all times. Provides deep pressure input and assists with motor planning and processing."
- Steamroller equipment in use in children's therapy uploaded by MOSAIC Rehabilitation, Inc.
- Anderson Center for Autism - "Some children crave deep pressure, and the Southpaw Steamroller is a fun way to get it! Children crawl between the "roller" and being "flattened" by the Steamroller. Device can provide the input children need to calm their bodies before sit down activities."
hug object
- Hug Machine Hardcover by Scott Campbell @ Amazon - “Who have YOU hugged today? Open your arms to this delightfully tender, goofy, and sweet tale.Watch out world, here he comes! The Hug Machine!Whether you are big, or small, or square, or long, or spikey, or soft, no one can resist his unbelievable hugs! HUG ACCOMPLISHED!”
Squeeze Machine
Gelatin / play-dough play
Gelatin play
- Fine Motor Gelatin Heartbreaking Sensory Play @ And Next Comes L
- Sensory Play Ideas with Gelatin @ Thrift Mom Mastips
- Gelatin Play @ Fun At Home with Kids
- Rainbow Gelatin Sensory Tub @ No Time For Flash Cards
- Sensory Play with Jelly @ Learning 4 Kids
- Gelatin Slime is Edible Slime Science with No Metamucil @ Little Bins for Little
- Play with Gelatin | Sensory Activity for Kids @ Tinkerlab
- Sensory Activities - Gelatin @ Carrots Are Orange
- Sensory Play: Playing with Gelatin @ Stories and Children
Play Dough
- Soothing Therapeutic Play Dough Recipe @ Growing A Jeweled Rose
- Therapeutic Interventions for Children: The Therapeutic Value of Play Dough @ Childhood Interventions
- Playdough in Therapy - Creativity in Therapy
- Therapeutic Activity for Kids Using Play Dough @ Our Everyday Life
- Playdough in Play Therapy - Play Dr Mom
Sensory Bags
- 40 Fun Sensory Bags @ Mamaot
- Bright and colorful sensory bags for preschool || Teach Preschool
- Gelatin Squish Bags - an Edible Sensory Bag for Babies @ Stay At Home Educator - “The filler is Knox Gelatin (affiliate) . When mixed properly, gelatin has the same consistency as hair gel. It squishes, oozes and seeps. You can add some Wilton Kosher Icing Colors (affiliate) to it, too.”
Inflatable deep pressure vest
Hug Machine
Big Huggin' videogame
Calming spaces
Lycra sensory tunnel
tent / blanket fort
Hammok
Ball pit
crash pad
Sensory deprivation
Because "just be there" is MUCH better than "tell them to stay calm." If someone told me to stay calm it will be okay I would freak out even more. No. just no. And the classic "understand your panic attack. I do. I have one everyday. Duh. Some people prefer this, but some people hate it.
- Verbal De-escalation Training @ CPI - Undivided Attention.Be Nonjudgmental.Focus on Feelings.Allow Silence.Clarify Messages.Develop a Plan...Debrief