The above link directs to a psychological and physical study carried out by Temple Grandin- author and educator with a diagnosis of autism. The study follows the testing of one of her own designs, The Squeeze Machine, a machine invented for the purpose of providing deep pressure. The introduction of the paper concludes how ‘certain sensory processing problems may be explained by cerebellar abnormalities.’ It informs the reader of the scientific explanations behind what these are, but it also reads quite personally from Grandin’s own experiences, particularly many feelings and issues she overcame as a child on the autistic spectrum, and how the use of deep pressure in varying forms helped manage her anxieties, behaviours, feelings, and need for pressured tactile response.Â
One part I read that I found particularly interesting was this: ‘In anecdotal reports, deep touch pressure has been described to produce a calming effect in children with psychiatric disorders. Deep pressure stimulation, such as rolling up in a gym mat, has been used to calm children with autistic disorder and ADHD. (Ayres 1979, King 1989). Lorna King (personal communication, 1990) reports that children with sleeping problems appear to sleep better inside of a mummy sleeping bag, which adapts to fit the body snuggly. It also has been used to reduce tactile defensiveness in children who cannot tolerate being touched. McClure and Holtz-Yotz (1991) found that deep pressure applied by foam-padded splints on the arms reduced self-injurious behavior and self-stimulation in an autistic child.’ I was interested in the part materials have to play in these different scenarios, and how the effects of them when used within the context of reducing heightened behaviour can be vast and incredibly useful. Gym mats, sleeping bags, foam-padded splints, all of these are textiles. They are all designed using materials to create a usable form of textiles, which in this case is used to create deep pressure. Regarding The Squeeze Machine itself, it is also padded out using foam, it is lined with rubber, and also has soft fake fur covering certain parts which are in contact with the body. The purpose of the fur is to enhance a feeling of comfort and to provide physical comfort.Â
‘At various lecture meetings of parents of autistic individuals, parents have reported to me various types of pressure-seeking behavior of their offspring, such as wrapping arms and legs in elastic bandages, sleeping under many blankets even during warm weather, and getting under mattresses. In my case, l used to crawl under sofa cushions and have my sister sit on them. A high functioning autistic woman stated, "I need heavy blankets on me to sleep well, or else my muscles won't calm down."’ Another paragraph which enticed me was this one- again it explains different methods relating to the use of materials, where individuals have used these to seek pressure. It is also further evidence in supporting the use of weighted objects, in the referral of ‘heavy blankets’. Again it supports the act of using weighted objects, by mentioning other methods in which people have gone to, in order to receive deep pressure.Â
