1402-SpinnGrin-RESNA.PDFVIP

Spin n’ Grin (Duke University) BY RESNA1402SDC ON MAY 16, 2014 IN 2014 COMPETITION SEMI-FINALIST, 2014 PARTICIPANT, TECH FOR COGNITIVE SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS {EDIT} Figure 1. Spin n Grin Lydia Ran, Morganne Gagne, Jayson Garmizo, Gautam Meka, Duke University ABSTRACT The client is a young boy with sensory defensiveness, exhibiting strong negative reactions to external stimuli such as touch, sound, and taste. The best methods to calm the client are through spinning and vibration. The goal of this project was to develop a motorized spinning device that the client can safely operate independently. The design consists of a circular platform driven by a gearmotor and sprockets connected by a chain and two large vibrating buttons that power the device only when pressed down. Using this device, the client is able to calm himself independently, learn cause-effect relationships, and improve balance. http://youtu.be/A7pBjBgDJ9A INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND People with sensory defensiveness have a negative reaction to protective senses that are typically considered harmless and non-irritating. This often results in social and emotional problems including patterns of avoidance, sensory seeking behaviors, hyper- vigilance, anxiety, and even aggression [1]. Some calming activities include use of vibrational toys or massagers, swings, and weighted products such as blankets, lotion rubs, jumping activities, spinning, music and lights. A classic device used to calm people with sensory defensiveness is the Sit n’ Spin toy. Our client, Pharrius, is a six year old boy with Trisomy 22, which is exhibited in his sensory defensiveness. When overstimulated, he will often bite, cry, or hit himself. Through occupational therapy, it was found that spinning, lights, and vibration calm him down. Because he has limited motor control, he cannot independently operate calming toys such as the Sit n’ Spin. Our goal was to develop a devi