A Hugging Machine To Help Autistic Kids

When a parent is told their child has autism, it is a heart-wrenching diagnosis. Many of these children live in a world all their own not talking to or touching other people. However, a simple hugging machine is helping these special kids cope.

Hugs come in all shapes and sizes. Ten-year-old Geoffrey gets his hugs from a hug machine. It uses pressure to help children with autism deal with the pressures of everyday life.

Michelle Whitacre, occupational therapist: "A lot of times our children have problems processing sensory input the way we do."

In fact, most autistic children don't like to be touched even by their mom or dad. It seems like this type of tactile stimulation overwhelms their senses. So researchers are trying a new approach to accustom autistic kids to a form of touch.

Occupational therapist Michelle Whitacre developed this hug machine to provide physical contact as a way to calm children's heightened senses.

Willie likes his time on the swing, but the deep tissue therapy inside this padded wooden box helps him relax.

Michelle Whitacre: "For some kids, it's a very calming effect because it's throughout their whole body, and it's a sustained pressure."

Like Willie, Geoffrey uses the hug machine almost every day. By moving the joystick, he can control how much pressure is used and for how long.

Terry Mutzenberg, occupational therapist: "You can usually see the tension in their face start to decrease."

Studies show kids who use the hug machine are less disruptive in class and stay on task longer.

Terry Mutzenberg: "Then, when they go back to the classroom area, they're able to sit down and able to perform at the table."

Something they might not be able to do without a little hug.

The hug machine was invented by an autistic woman looking for a way to relax her over-stimulated system. Now there are ten centers around the country that are using it.

>> <font color="red">Video On Demand: Build Your Own Newscast</font>

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•