Comfort Clothing: Squeezeease Therapy’s Autism Vest

Squeezease Therapy Inc.’s Deep Pressure Therapy Snug Vest vest provides the feeling of a firm hug, which reduces the stress-causing hormones adrenalin and cortisol in those with autism.

Squeezease Therapy Deep Pressure Vest

Behind the design of Vancouver-based Squeezease Therapy Inc.’s autism vest

Named after a form of sensory therapy that involves minimizing stimulus by providing the feeling of a firm hug, the Deep Pressure Therapy Snug Vest inflates and applies pressure to the body, which reduces the stress-causing hormones adrenalin and cortisol. Its lightweight and thin design is also more discreet and mobile than other weighted jackets and vests on the market. Chosen as one of the top 26 new companies in the 2012 BC Innovation Council New Ventures competition, Squeezease expects to roll out its first shipments of vests—manufactured in Vancouver—in June. The vest is currently available for order at snugvest.com for $395.

• There was a 78 per cent rise in reported autism cases in Canada between 2006 and 2012
• 50 per cent of all children with autism are not diagnosed until after their 5th birthday
• Boys are 4X more likely to have autism than girls

•Deflation tube The vest deflates by twisting the end of the deflation tube (the vest takes about 10 seconds to deflate); it is recommended that wearers deflate the vest after 20 minutes of use and take a 30-minute break before using it again.

•Inflation tube A hidden inflation tube is accessible through the right pocket and inflates with an attachable hand pump that allows wearers to pump the vest themselves.

•Vertical adjustment strip A Velcro strap lets wearers adjust the vest according to a user’s height. Vest sizes range from small enough for a three-year-old child to adult sizes.

•Pockets Found on either side of the vest, pockets provide added comfort and storage for the wearer—a must for people with autism who need to have personal belongings close at hand and easily accessible.

•Hood The quilted hood locks out light and other sensory distractions, which can cause over-stimulation in people with autism.

•Pressure-distribution strip An elastic strip down the centre expands as the vest inflates, minimizing pressure on the stomach and chest to facilitate breathing even at full inflation.