|
Somatron
Chair
A Welcome Addition
|
| A new addition to Autistic
Services' occupational therapy room was
purchased with a grant obtained by Erie
County Legislator Lynn Marinelli.
The Somatron Chair combines vibration
and music to promote relaxation and decrease
anxiety for the children and adults who
use it as part of supervised occupational
therapy.
Tom Sinica, Autistic Services' clinical
director of occupational therapy services,
said that the chair is offered to all
autistic individuals served by the agency
because of its universal benefits.
"This is a very comfortable reclining
chair in which one can feel a variety
of vibrations simultaneously, based on
the musical notes played," he explained.
The benefits include muscle tension relief,
|
|
| stimulation of circulation,
reducing pressure on the spine, diminishing
of gastrointestinal problems, decreasing
anxiety, and screening out of noises that
might be upsetting. The Somatron Chair
comes with music composed specifically for
vibroacoustic therapy by Byron Eakin, the
chair's inventor. However, any music
ranging from classical to rock may be used.
According to Tom, "This is a calming
experience. I can see visible differences
in the people using it. They leave
smiling, happy and better able to participate
when they return to theri classrooms."
Autistic Services has had a Somatron mat
with similar technology in use for two
years.
Somatron has lent its support to
Autistic Services by adjusting the cost
to match the grant amount.
|
|
|
Autistic
Services
Inc.
Autistic
Services Inc. soon will begin a fund-raising campaign
to purchase a Clarence building to house all of our
programs and services.
Contributors
will be supporting our mission of service.
Autistic
Services envisions a world where every individual
is valued and is given the opportunity of a satisfying,
productive life by becoming a contributing member
of the community.
|