By Ryan Marshall

Temple Grandin has long been recognized as one of the most outstanding advocates for further studies into the true nature of the autism spectrum — and how could she not be? The Boston native, having just reached her 70th year this past August, was diagnosed with autism when she was well into her 40s and has since been consistently active in trying to provide better representation for those on the spectrum.

Among her many modest achievements in the field is the device known as the “Hug Box” (or “Hug Machine,” if you will), the practical application of which is to soothe hypersensitive individuals when overstimulation threatens to take hold.

Before delving into the often formless depths of human psychology, Grandin had accumulated a fair amount of experience working with livestock, and it was here that the first seeds were planted; it’s been said that a device which squeezes cattle in order to calm them after branding was the primary inspiration for Grandin’s own invention.

The Hug Box has long been a staple of contemporary occupational therapy as we know it, and further research has indicated that usage should by no means be limited to its initial demographic.

Deep-touch pressure is the sensation which the mechanism seeks to complement, and is distinguishable from “light” pressure in the sense that the latter has the capacity to upset a hypersensitive individual rather than calm them; understanding this very concept can benefit a child’s early physical and mental development whether they suffer from high anxiet y, hyperactivity, or are on the aforementioned spectrum.

An alternative for those who have limited space in their homes is the weighted blanket, a sleep aid which provides many of the same comforts as Grandin’s notably larger mechanism. The heaviness of the blanket is the key to its success when stimulating various deep pressure points; it allows for total relaxation, which is often required for those who experience overstimulation.

The blankets are said to release serotonin and decrease heart rate as well as blood pressure, and much like the Hug Box, are equally as useful to those who simply experience sleep deprivation on a regular basis. In this sense they are perhaps even more widely utilized in contemporary living than the machine, but as game-changing innovations, they are equally as valuable.

Grandin has proven to be an inspiring individual and, since her success in the field, has encouraged those like herself to follow their obsessions wherever they may lead them, as this gave way to many unique opportunities in her personal experience. The application of tools such as her Hug Box in the lives of youth on the spectrum is perhaps one of the first steps to establishing healthy coping mechanisms which can be carried into adulthood; in this sense, the mechanism is truly invaluable.