Looking for a squeeze machine
September 17, 2010 4:22 PM Subscribe
I've been reading about Temple Grandin's "squeeze machine," and I would really like to use it. (More info about what it is here.) Are there any places in the NYC area where I could?
I am not a therapist/doctor/Temple Grandin expert (though I did enjoy her books). So don't listen to me.
Well, if anyone would have something like that I would bet on a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration. No, I don't know any. Or, you could look up companies likely to make such thing and call them. Try to find an occupational therapy supply catalog online to find the appropriate vendor.
There are simple ways to apply pressure at home that are less intense than the "squeeze machine." You probably already know about them. Foam rollers are great. They're like those Styrofoam pool noodles only thicker and firmer. Roll on the foam thing on the floor to provide pressure to a specific part of your body. Weighted blankets are popular but expensive. I would try putting a cheap 10 lb. bag of rice on my lap before springing for a blanket but that's just me. Or, request a firm bear hug from a friend. Or try swimming. The hydrostatic pressure (pressure of the water on your body) often is soothing to people.
Hmm, I think my friends mom works at school with a "roller machine." From what I understand it's similar to those roller slides you probably went down as a child. Except this contraption has two layers of roller bars that a person slides in between. Not what you're looking for, I know. Just a thought.
posted by ticketmaster10 at 6:40 PM on September 17, 2010
Well, if anyone would have something like that I would bet on a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration. No, I don't know any. Or, you could look up companies likely to make such thing and call them. Try to find an occupational therapy supply catalog online to find the appropriate vendor.
There are simple ways to apply pressure at home that are less intense than the "squeeze machine." You probably already know about them. Foam rollers are great. They're like those Styrofoam pool noodles only thicker and firmer. Roll on the foam thing on the floor to provide pressure to a specific part of your body. Weighted blankets are popular but expensive. I would try putting a cheap 10 lb. bag of rice on my lap before springing for a blanket but that's just me. Or, request a firm bear hug from a friend. Or try swimming. The hydrostatic pressure (pressure of the water on your body) often is soothing to people.
Hmm, I think my friends mom works at school with a "roller machine." From what I understand it's similar to those roller slides you probably went down as a child. Except this contraption has two layers of roller bars that a person slides in between. Not what you're looking for, I know. Just a thought.
posted by ticketmaster10 at 6:40 PM on September 17, 2010
My friend used to be a special ed teacher, and their go-to for the autistic kids was a plain old foam and vinyl gym mat. Just rolled them on up in there.
posted by lunalaguna at 7:02 PM on September 17, 2010
posted by lunalaguna at 7:02 PM on September 17, 2010
Response by poster: Oh, these are all great ideas. And I am learning how to swim!
posted by sdn at 7:59 PM on September 17, 2010
posted by sdn at 7:59 PM on September 17, 2010
There are weighted vests that are used in therapy for sensory processing disorder, etc. - all the models shown at that link are kids but there are adult-sized ones for athletes looking to get a harder workout and I'd think they're essentially the same thing.
posted by lakeroon at 8:58 PM on September 17, 2010
posted by lakeroon at 8:58 PM on September 17, 2010
This site sells lycra body hugging devices; hammocks, body socks, swings....
posted by Jazz Hands at 9:28 PM on September 17, 2010
posted by Jazz Hands at 9:28 PM on September 17, 2010
If you have a suitable bed you can try laying down _under_ the mattress, too.
posted by 3mendo at 10:58 PM on September 17, 2010
posted by 3mendo at 10:58 PM on September 17, 2010
Latex vacuum bed. Google tells me they run about 400$ to 600$, but being in NYC you can certainly find a goth or BDSM club which has demos (ask about vendor demos).
posted by anaelith at 3:27 AM on September 18, 2010
posted by anaelith at 3:27 AM on September 18, 2010
There's a traveling exhibit by Wendy Jacob and Temple Grandin with squeeze chairs that visitors can use; it was in Boston in different versions in 1998 and 2007, and has also been in Madison, Kansas City, and Champaign. Jacob's faculty page lists her previous exhibitions.
posted by nonane at 7:43 PM on September 18, 2010
posted by nonane at 7:43 PM on September 18, 2010
How about wearing a full-body wetsuit? And then you can go swimming in it for extra sensory feedback.
posted by Asparagirl at 9:04 AM on September 19, 2010
posted by Asparagirl at 9:04 AM on September 19, 2010
« Older How about "skyline" or "in the distance"... | Doggone it, help me do the right thing! Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by malusmoriendumest at 5:09 PM on September 17, 2010