Soothing and interactive device to reduce anxiety in autistic individuals

About the Eben-Hézer Foundation

The Eben-Hézer Foundation regularly welcomes volunteers and night watchers who are not healthcare professionals.

Challenge

People with autism often face anxiety or sensory overload triggered by noise, routine changes, or social situations. Current aids like fidget toys or weighted blankets help but aren’t always personalized.

The goal is to create a discreet, customizable device that helps individuals self-regulate during anxious moments and is easy for caregivers to use.

Ideas include an interactive lamp with adjustable light and automatic soothing modes, a soft sensory cushion with gentle vibrations or warmth, a portable multi-sensory object, and multifunctional sleeping bags.

The device should allow easy, autonomous control, be personalized to user preferences, simple to operate, safe, washable, and discreet to avoid stigma.