An inflatable vest designed to make people feel the comfort of a hug, could help autistic people stay calm in stressful situations and could even quieten screaming babies.
An inflatable vest designed to make people feel the comfort of a hug, could help autistic people stay calm in stressful situations and could even quieten screaming babies. The 245-pound 'Squease jackets' are inflated by pressing a pressure bulb in the lining.
These jackets are available as a hooded top, or as a bulletproof-vest-esque top, which can be worn under clothing.
"Squease is an inflatable pressure vest that is hidden away inside a hooded top. No weights are used; hug-like pressure is applied to to the upper body simply by inflating the vest with air," the Daily Mail quoted its designers as saying.
Sufferers of autism can panic when in situations where they might be overwhelmed by senses such as sound and smells.
"For people with sensory processing difficulties such as many people with autism, who find dealing with change, busy environments or contact with other people to be highly stressful, applying pressure to the upper body may be calming, increase body awareness or improve attention and focus," said the product's makers.
A video on the Essex designers' site demonstrates that it could even be used on babies.
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"The vest is inflated by squeezing a hand pump, allowing the wearer to regulate and apply soothing pressure in everyday situations that may lead to anxiety, stress or sensory overload - whether that is at home, at school, or on-the-move," added the designers.
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