Consistent deep pressure therapy using the inflatable AHMPS before class showed a significant improvement in conduct problems, psychosomatic problems, impulsive-hyperactive problems, and anxiety. It also showed a medium effect for reducing psychophysiological stress and significantly reduced emotional stress picked up by electrodes attached to the children's fingers.

Effects of Autism Hug Machine Portable Seat (AHMPS) with Inflatable Strap on Behavior and Psychophysiological Stress in Children with ASD

A deep pressure therapy seat modeled after Grandin's Hug Machine, originally fitted with foam pads covered in leather that are tightened over the individual's body to provide varying levels of deep pressure in order to calm anxiety. A model with inflatable portions instead of foam portions has also been made and tested.

Ithaca College

The Hug Machine was designed by Temple Grandin, who has ASD, as a teenager and was modeled after the squeeze chutes used to keep cattle calm during vaccinations. The goal was to apply deep pressure over a large area of the body in order to reduce anxiety, and this machine has been the basis for various deep pressure machines for autistic individuals.

Grandin's Hug Machine

Afif, I. Y., et al. (2022). Effect of Short-Term Deep-Pressure Portable Seat on Behavioral and Biological Stress in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study. Bioengineering, 9(2), 48. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9020048

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