Sensory input right at home

Chicago Parent Staff
Monday, February 09, 2009

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Josh Mallan's a-ha moment came while staring at the ceiling waiting for his son, Miles, who has Asperger's syndrome, to fall asleep. What, Mallan says he wondered, could he do to give Miles more options in his room to help him settle down at night.

"The necessity was the mother of invention here," he says. Mallan, a former teacher and contractor, came up with an adaptable therapeutic home gym using panels based off the therapy Miles was receiving. The Chicago dad's company, SensationStations, creates removable ceiling or wall units to which devices, such as swings or rope ladders, can be attached. The units, he says, are easily adapted to fit therapy needs for those on the autism spectrum or with physical disabilities.

"It really does give parents a place that's safe and varied."

This article appeared in the Spring 2009 edition of Chicago Special Parent.