This new piece of equipment just arrived for the Sweetsir 'Motor Room'. I watched Temple Grandin's movie with my sister, who works as a COTA for another school, and she told me about this Southpaw Steam Roller. It is based on Grandin's 'squeeze machine' invention. Children enjoy the sensation of deep pressure as they crawl between soft, padded rollers. Just as a hug helps comfort the typical child, this machine provides a similar sensation for children on the autism spectrum. The machine can also be used with other students to build shoulder and arm muscles which are essential for handwriting.
Thank you to my kindergarten friend and his pal, 'Freckles', who helped with this photo shoot! After going through the machine he described feeling like "a wet noodle."