Sensory input right at home

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.”

Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Since 1984, the Chicago Parent editorial team is trained to be the go-to source for Chicagoland families, offering a rich blend of expert advice, compelling stories, and the top local activities for kids. Renowned for their award-winning content, the team of editors and writers are dedicated to enriching family life by connecting parents with the finest resources and experiences our community has to offer.
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