Dr. Temple-Glandin is an autistic person and a pioneer in the field of autism research. Her experience on the autism spectrum led her to the invention of The Temple Grandin Hug Machine(a device designed to calm hypersensitive individuals) in 1965.
Also known as a hug box, squeeze machine, or a squeezebox, the hug machine is a deep-pressure device designed to administer pressure evenly through the body, between two sideboards hinged in a V shape.
The idea first came to Dr. Grandin while observing cattle chutes on her aunt’s farm. She noticed the chutes — which function similarly to what eventually became the hug machine — helped to noticeably calm the cattle as they passed through. It was after this experience that Dr. Grandin realized that the cattle were coming out of the chute calmer than when they went in. Today, the machine is now an essential tool in helping to provide sensory benefits to children and adults with autism
Turns out I’m not the only one who feels less nervous and anxious when I’m hugged! Growing up, I used to wrap myself in a quilt when I was feeling nervous and anxious. I first got into rope bondage because I wanted to experience the feeling of being wrapped up as well.
I have recently been doing research about autism as I think I may have high functioning Autism spectrum disorder. I made a call to the General Practitioner and was told by the GP that a diagnosis of autism could be on the waiting list for over a year. This bothers me as I want to know if I am autistic or not. If I am I can learn more and improve the way I relate to the world and to myself. Sometimes I have insomnia due to anxiety, usually in China I would take sleeping pills, but in the UK I called my doctor and he said I was too young to be advised to take them. Recently I found out that medical marijuana seems to work!
https://www.bancroft.org/resources/the-calming-effect-temple-grandin/