PACKING BLOG

JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Volume 2, Number 1,
1992 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Publishers

INTRODUCTION

CERTAIN SENSORY PROCESSING problems may be explained by cerebellar
abnormalities. In addition to the familiar roles of the cerebellum in motor
coordination and balance, there are suggestions that the cerebellum may also
have functions in sensory processing. Early studies found that stimulation of
the cerebellar vermis caused a cat to become hypersensitive to touch and to
sound (Chambers 1947). More recent work in rats also suggests that the
cerebellum acts as a modulator of sensory input for various sensory modalities,
effectively functioning as a type of volume control; lobules V, Vl, and VII of
the vermis appear to be the most crucial sites (Crisping and Bullock 1984).
People with autism have many sensory processing deficits, including problems in
modulating sensory input (Ornitz 1985). Most research on sensory processing
problems in autistic individuals has studied the auditory and visual modalities.
It may be hypothesized that some of the sensory processing problems in autistic
disorder might be related to abnormalities of the cerebellum.

Courchesne et al. (1988) found that a majority (14/18) of high-functioning
adults with autistic disorder had cerebellar abnormalities. Brain autopsy
research has also revealed cerebellar abnormalities in autism, especially in
lobules V, Vl, and Vll of the vermis (Bauman and Kemper 1985, Ritvo et al.
1986).

When I was age 3, I had standard autistic symptoms such as intolerance to
being touched, inability to speak, tantrums, and stereotypic behavior. I would
stiffen and pull away when people touched me, and I was oversensitive to both
touch and sound (Grandin 1989a, Grandin and Scarino 1986) Magnetic resonance
image (MRI) scans have revealed that my cerebellum is undersized, and I have a
slight balance problem.

I will describe here a deep touch pressure device ("squeeze machine") that I
developed to help me overcome problems of oversensitivity to touch, and that
allays my nervousness. Reactions of other people to the squeeze machine,
including children with autistic disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) are also reported.

Finally, the animal literature on deep touch pressure will be surveyed,
revealing that similar calming reactions may be generally observed in response
to deep touch pressure in higher animals. However, in view of the possibility
that cerebellar abnormalities may cause hypersensitivity to touch, the
therapeutic response of children with autism to correctly applied deep touch
pressure might be partially explained by a cerebellar mechanism.

CLINICAL EFFECTS OF DEEP TOUCH PRESSURE

Deep touch pressure is the type of surface pressure that is exerted in most
types of firm touching, holding, stroking, petting of animals, or swaddling. In
contrast, light touch pressure is a more superficial stimulation of the skin,
such as tickling, ver y light touch, or moving hairs on the skin. In animals,
the tickle of a fly landing on the skin may cause a cow to kick, but the firm
touch of the farmer's hands quiets her. Occupational therapists have observed
that a very light touch alerts the nervous system, but deep pressure is relaxing
and calming.

Deep pressure touch has been found to have beneficial effects in a variety of
clinical settings (Barnard and Brazelton 1990, Gunzenhauser 1990). In anecdotal
reports, deep touch pressure has been described to produce a calming effect in
children with psychiatric disorders. Deep pressure stimulation, such as rolling
up in a gym mat, has been used to calm children with autistic disorder and ADHD
(Ayres 1979, King 1989). Lorna King (personal communication, 1990) reports that
children with sleeping problems a ppear to sleep better inside of a mummy
sleeping bag, which adapts to fit the body snuggly. It also has been used to
reduce tactile defensiveness in children who cannot tolerate being touched.
McClure and Holtz-Yotz (1991) found that deep pressure applied by foam-padded
splints on the arms reduced self-injurious behavior and self-stimulation in an
autistic child.

Research on autistic children indicates that they prefer proximal sensory
stimulation such as touching, tasting, and smelling to distal sensory
stimulation of hearing and seeing (Kootz et al. 1981). Autistic children will
often seek out deep pressure sens ations. At various lecture meetings of parents
of autistic individuals, parents have reported to me various types of
pressure-seeking behavior of their offspring, such as wrapping arms and legs in
elastic bandages, sleeping under many blankets even during warm weather, and
getting under mattresses. In my case, l used to crawl under sofa cushions and
have my sister sit on them. A high functioning autistic woman stated, "I need
heavy blankets on me to sleep well, or else my muscles won't calm down."

Deep touch stimulation is beneficial to normal babies (Barnard and Brazelton
1990, Gunzenhauser 1990). Institutionalized babies who received supplemental
tactile stimulation, mainly deep touch pressure, developed more normally
(Provence and Lipton 1962). Premature babies who receive stroking and tightly
bound swaddling also are reported to show definite benefits (Anderson 1986,
Field et al. 1986, Lieb et al. 1980).

The strong need for deep touch stimulation is suggested in Harlow and
Zimmerman's classic experiment (1959): baby monkeys would cling to and press
against a soft cloth mother surrogate which provided contact comfort, over a
wire surrogate that provided milk.

Takagi and Kobayasi (1955) found that deep pressure applied bilaterally to a
personta body results in a decrease in pulse rate, metabolic rate, and muscle
tone. This finding, however, has not been replicated.

FIG. 1. Rear view of the squeeze machine showing the position of the user
between the padded side boards. Krauss (1987) designed an air mattress apparatus
which applied pressure to large areas of the body. The apparatus consisted of
two air mattresses surrounded by a canvas wrap connected to a pulley. A person
laying between the two mattresses could control pressure applied by pulling on a
rope, which tightened the canvas wrap. In this study, college students reported
mild subjective reductions in anxiety and were found to have mildly increased
heart rate, but neither finding reached statistical significance. However, this
rope-operated apparatus applied considerably less pressure than the "squeeze
machine" (Grandin 1984, Grandin and Scariano 1986).

THE SQUEEZE MACHINE

The squeeze machine device developed by the author consists of two padded
side boards which are hinged at the bottom to form a V shape. The user steps
into the machine and lies down on the inside in the Vshaped crevicelike space.
The inside surfaces of the device are completely lined with thick foam rubber.
Deep touch pressure stimulation is applied along both sides of the person's
body, with lateral pressure pushing inward onto the body (Fig. 1). The V-shaped
space supports the body fully from head to toe, so that the users can completely
relax. The contoured padding provides an even pressure across the entire lateral
aspects of the body without generating specific pressure points. The foam-padded
head rest and padded neck opening are covered with soft fake fur. When the neck
opening closes around the neck, it enhances the feeling of being surrounded and
contained by the embrace of the deep touch pressure squeeze.

The user has complete control over the amount of pressure applied (Fig. 2). A
lever-operated pneumatic valve, which is connected to an air cylinder that pulls
the side boards together, allows the user to self-regulate the amount of
pressure applied. For a dults, the air pressure on the 5 cm diameter air
cylinder is set at 60 psi, which allows up to 43 kg (95 Ibs.) of pressure to be
exerted on each rope attached to the sides. For children under age 8-9 years,
the pressure is set at 30 to 40 psi.

The user can enter and leave the machine at will, which confers a more
complete sense of self-control in the context of the machine. The squeeze
machine and procedures for its use are more fully described elsewhere (Grandin
1984, Grandin and Scariano 1986 ).

The advantage of the squeeze machine over other forms of deep pressure
stimulation, such as rolling in mats, is that the machine can apply greater
amounts of pressure over larger areas of the body. The air cylinder power
applies constant pressure, even when the user shifts position.

FIG. 2. Front view of squeeze machine showing the user operating the control
lever which activates the squeeze pressure.

THE AUTHOR'S EXPERIENCE WITH SQUEEZE MACHINE

As a child, I craved to feel the comfort of being held, but I would pull away
when people hugged me. When hugged, an overwhelming tidal wave of sensation
flowed through me. At times, I preferred such intense stimulation to the point
of pain, rather than a ccept ordinary hugs. On the Ayres Checklist for Tactile
Defensiveness ( 1979), I had 9 out of 15 symptoms by age 10 years. Whenever
anyone touched me, I stiffened, flinched, and pulled away. This
approach-avoidance characteristic endured for years during my childhood.

At puberty, anxiety and nervousness made me feel as though I was constantly
in a state of "stage fright." While the nature of this anxiety was not diagnosed
at the time, they have been retrospectively diagnosed as panic attacks, and
would fulfill the DSM-III-Rcriteria.

At age 18, I constructed the squeeze machine to help calm down the anxiety
and panic attacks. Using the machine for 15 minutes would reduce my anxiety for
up to 45-60 minutes (Grandin and Scariano 1986). The relaxing effect was
maximized if the machine was used twice a day.

Gradually, my tolerance of being held by the squeeze machine grew. Knowing
that I could initiate the pressure, and stop it if the stimulation became too
intense, helped me to reduce the oversensitivity of my "nervous system." A once
overwhelming stimulus was now a pleasurable experience.

Using the machine enabled me to learn to tolerate being touched by another
person. By age 25, I was able to relax in the machine without pulling away from
it. It also made me feel less aggressive and less tense. Soon I noted a change
in our cat's reaction to me. The cat, who used to run away from me now would
stay with me, because I had learned to caress him with a gentler touch. I had to
be comforted myself before I could give comfort to the cat.

As my "nervous system" calmed down, I required less squeeze pressure to
produce a comforting feeling. Gradually, I could reduce the pressure regulator
setting from 80 to 60 psi.

From my experiences, I learned that if pressure from the squeeze machine is
applied at a steady pressure, habituation would occur and discomfort would begin
within 10 to 15 minutes. Instead, if the pressure is increased and decreased
slowly, the soothing effect could be maintained for up to one and a half hours.
Very slow movement of the squeeze sides was most soothing. Sudden jerky
movements caused me to jump and become aroused. On most occasions, a 5-15 minute
period in the machine was sufficient to get a good response.

EFFECTS OF THE SQUEEZE MACHINE ON NORMAL ADULTS

Deep pressure applied to a wide area of the body, administered by the squeeze
machine, has a relaxing effect on normal adults. In the present study, college
students were found to feel relaxed after use of the squeeze machine. College
students (18-25 year s old) were not informed of the purpose of the squeeze
machine, and simply were told that it was part of a sensory perception
experiment. The operation of the machine was described to each student, and the
author got into the machine to demonstrate its use. Each student was tested
individually to prevent students from influencing each other's response. After
5-10 minutes, 45% ( 18/40) of the subjects employed words such as "relaxing" or
"sleep" to describe their reactions. Four students ( 10%) used the wo rds
"floating," "weightless," or "flight" to describe the sensation. Relaxation was
physically evident in some subjects. After being in the machine for a few
minutes, the squeeze sides could be pulled closer together without increasing
the pressure setting.

Two people (5%) had a claustrophobic reaction to the machine and could not
complete the experiment. For 40% of subjects, the machine appeared to have no
relaxing effect.

Of the entire group, 25 students were asked, "If you could buy this machine
in a store, what could you use it for?" "Relaxer" or "tension reliever" was the
response of 17 students. One student, who did not feel relaxation after using
the machine, suggested that it could be used as an isometric exerciser.

In a subgroup of 18 students, the squeeze machine was operated in three
arbitrarily selected ways: (1) stationary pressure, (2) fast rhythmic pulsation
of 50 cycles per minute, and (3) slow rhythmic pulsation of 15 cycles per
minute. At the stationary setting, the tension on the ropes to the squeeze sides
was 40 kg, a setting that most adults find tight but comfortable. During the two
pulsation modes, the pressure was reduced until the top of the squeeze sides
moved I cm on each side. After 5 minutes in the machine, each student was
instructed to rate their state of relaxation on a scale from I ("almost asleep")
to 10 ("very excited").

The data in Table I indicate that the stationary mode and the slow pulsation
mode were more relaxing than the fast mode.

I also have conducted some preliminary experiments that suggest that the
squeeze machine may have an effect on auditory threshold (Grandin 1970). This
possibility was investigated in view of the findings that cerebellar mechanisms
might modify sensory inputs involving sound as well as touch.

USE OF THE SQUEEZE MACHINE IN TREATMENT OF
CHILDREN

For the last 10 years, several occupational therapists and psychologists have
used this squeeze machine with autistic and hyperactive children. Six machines
currently are being used for sensory integrative therapy, and beneficial effects
are being described anecdotally. Lorna King, Director of the Center for
Neurodevelopmental Studies in Phoenix (Arizona) reports that the squeeze machine
is useful for children with autistic disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder, or learning disabilities. Margaret Creedon at the Michael Reese
Hospital in Chicago reports that children with pervasive developmental disorder
(PDD) and children with Tourette's disorder like to use the machine and that it
calms them; it is claimed to help to inhibit tantrums and reduce stereotypies.
However, there is a severe lack of formal research data pertaining to the
clinical treatment of children.

The squeeze machine was employed by 18 subjects using three
arbitrarily selected modes: stationary pressure, slow rhythmic pulsation of 15
cycles per minute, and fast rhythmic pulsation of 50 cycles per minute. Each
subject experienced all three settings, for 3 minutes in each mode, in random
order during a 15 minute session. After experiencing each mode, subjects rated
their state of relaxation on a scale of 1 (almost asleep) to 10 (very excited).
An analysis of variance on the entire sampling resulted in an F value - 19.33 (p
< 0.0001).

*To assess differences among the three modes, a Duncan's multiple
range test was applied, using .05. A statistically significant difference was
noted for relaxation ratings for Fast Pulsation, compared with ratings for
either Slow Pulsation or Stationary Pressure; these latter two modes were not
different from one another.

One study (Imamura et al. 1990) examined behavioral effects of the squeeze
machine on 9 children, aged 3-7 years, with autistic disorder or PDD.
Hyperactivity was found reduced in 4 subjects, and the machine had no effect on
5 children. One child first began to hug the therapist after using the machine.
The parents of a 7-year-old, high-functioning autistic boy reported that they
could tell the days on which he had used the machine by observing his calmness.
When the squeeze machine was not available to him, this boy learned to roll up
in a quilt and then roll on the floor for 15 to 45 minutes every day to obtain
adequate pressure stimulation.

Sessions with the machine were relatively unstructured, and usage usually was
less than two minutes daily. There appeared to be a relationship between longer
duration of squeeze machine usage and beneficial effects. Some children in their
studies appear to have failed to use the squeeze machine long enough to have an
effect. Imamura et al. (1990) concluded that a more structured approach,
designed to encourage greater use of the machine, probably would result in
increased beneficial effects.

ANIMAL OBSERVATIONS

The author initially conceived of the idea for the squeeze machine from her
observations in animal science. Cattle being held in a squeeze chute, while
waiting in line for veterinary attention, often appeared somewhat agitated
during the waiting; some of the animals, however, seemed to relax once pressure
was applied to large areas of their bodies.

Deep pressure stimulation of diverse forms have been reported to have calming
effects in a variety of animals. For example, stroking and scratching the flank
of a pig has long been known to induce inactivity (Marcuse and Moore 1944), and
pigs spontaneously seek body contact against a solid surface (Hartsock 1979).
Pressure applied to both sides of a pig in a padded V-shaped trough will induce
sleep and relaxation (Grandin et al. 1989). In rabbits, gentle but firm pinching
of the skin with padded clips will lead initially to arousal, followed by
relaxed muscle tone, drowsiness, and deactivation of electroencephalogram (EEG)
patterns (Kumazawa 1963). Likewise, a "squeeze machine" for chicks, constructed
from hollowed-out foam rubber blocks, reduces separation distress (Jack
Panksepp, Bowling Green University, personal communication). In cats, rubbing
and gentle pinching of a paw will decrease tonic activity in the dorsal column
nuclei and somatosensory cortex (Melzack et al. 1969).

In infant animals (and brain-damaged humans), pressure exerted on the face by
an elastic bandage wrapped around the head will override the vestibular system
and cause the head to fall back (Teitlebaum 1977). Wrapping a bandage around the
torso of a cat causes the hind quarters to topple (Teitlebaum 1982).

The reactions of cattle to being restrained in a squeeze-restraining device
are very similar to people in the squeeze machine. Strong pressure initially
causes cattle to relax, but will lead to struggling and discomfort when the
animal habituates. Habituation occurs more quickly in cattle being held against
unpadded metal surfaces. Pressure must be decreased if the animal is held in a
chute for more than two minutes.

Recently I operated a cattle-restraining chute that was fitted with hydraulic
controls; these provide more precise control over the amount of pressure and the
speed of movement of the apparatus. Any sudden jerky movement caused animals to
jump and become agitated. If pressure was applied slowly, many animals would
remain passive and not resist. Squeezing in a smooth steady motion, required
less pressure to keep the animal still. This chute was equipped also with a head
restraint yoke, which would rise up under the animal's chin after the body was
restrained. Some cattle would fight the chin yoke by keeping their heads in a
crooked position, which made it impossible to restrain them fully. Sudden
bumping often caused the animal to resist. By gently pressing the yoke against
them, l found that wild cattle would straighten their necks and place their chin
in the curved part of the yoke. When the animal moved into position, the
pressure could be increased, and the head was brought up into the restrained
position with very little pressure. None of these animals pulled their head out
of the yoke or even tried. At all times, pressure was applied fimmly.

A wild horse may flinch and pull away from being touched by a human, similar
to the reactions of some autistic children to touch. In the process of taming a
wild animal, animal trainers have learned that a fimm touch calms and a very
light touch tends to excite, again similar to the clinical observations of
occupational therapists.

The two main methods used to tame wild horses are forced holding and gradual
taming. Forced holding is quicker and more stressful than the somewhat slower
gradual taming process.

Forced holding is similar to holding therapy for autistic children (Welch
1983). Gentler methods of holding therapy are also effective for increasing eye
contact and interest in humans (Powers and Thorworth 1985).

The forced holding procedure is done quietly and gently, and care is taken to
avoid excitement. The horse is securely tied or held in a livestock restraint
device. The horse is held tightly and is unable to kick or thrash. During the
restraint period, the trainer strokes and pets all parts of the animal's body
and talks to it gently. Deep touching of every part of the animal's body is the
key component of the taming procedure. The animal is released once it is
nonresisting. Sessions seldom last more than one hour. Good horse trainers use
forced holding only on very young animals. A significant disadvantage of this
procedure is that forced restraint is stressful.

The taming approach is conducted more gradually. Horse trainers have found
that nervous horses become easier to handle if they are rubbed and brushed over
all parts of their bodies (Tellington-Jones and Bums 1985). The horse may flinch
at first, but gradually will start to relax when stroked. Similar to the
autistic child who is initially aversive to touching and then finds that
touching becomes pleasurable, a horse will show a behavioral change such that a
stimulus that was once actively avoided is now actively sought.

In animals, taming can proceed to the point of allowing the use of a deep
touch pressure machine. Sheep can be trained to enter a device similar to the
squeeze machine repeatedly and voluntarily for phammacological studies (Grandin
1989). As with humans, the sheep were introduced gradually to the device. At
first, the sheep just stood in it, and subsequently pressure could be applied
for increasing amounts of time.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THERAPISTS

In working with children, we have found that 5 minutes of sustained use of
the squeeze machine is the minimum typically required to obtain a readily
detectable calming effect.

We would suggest that use of the machine should never be forced, though
strong encouragement is needed to overcome the approach-avoidance features
associated with factual defensiveness. Therapists who work with tactually
defensive children find that they are better able to tolerate touching that they
have initiated (Key 1989). At times, it is useful to encourage such a child to
use the machine for at least the minimal 5 minutes in order to ensure a
noticeable effect. We have observed two basic ways that children and adults
approach the machine. The pressure-seeking type immediately will start using the
machine, and use it readily with little encouragement. Children with
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder typically fit in this category. In
contrast, some autistic children have a high degree of factual defensiveness, so
that it is difficult for them to overcome their initial aversion to touch; they
will require more encouragement. Use of the machine should never be forced, but
the therapist must be "gently insistent" to coax a tactually defensive client to
use it.

Clients should be discouraged from sudden jerking of the pressure on and off
in rapid sequence. Some people may want to increase and decrease the pressure
slowly, which may help them to remain in the machine for longer periods of time.
The use of slowly varying deep touch pressure should be allowed.

Margaret Creedon (personal communication 1989) has suggested that users show
two pattems: sustained squeezers, and intermittent squeezers who continually
squeeze it up and release it. It is possible that the intemnittent squeezers may
have greater factual defensiveness than sustained squeezers, and may need
encouragement to learn to tolerate the pressure.

In teaching new users to operate the machine, it is important that the
therapist who demonstrates the machine really like to get in the machine. If he
or she is uncomfortable or claustrophobic, the fear will be communicated to the
child. I often have induced a tactually defensive child to use the machine, even
after attempts by others had failed, because they could see that I enjoy it. For
tactually defensive children, the therapist may need to demonstrate use of the
machine repeatedly, so that they can see that it will not cause them harm. After
the child becomes ac customed to the machine, he or she usually can use it
voluntarily without further demonstration by the therapist.

It is essential that the machine is adjusted to properly fit the child. The
side boards must be adjusted so that the V-shape supports the body, but there
still must be enough space for the child's knees. Proper adjustment will enhance
the effect of the machine because the pressure will be applied more evenly.

Although the squeeze machine can be used for younger children, there are many
easy methods for applying deep pressure stimulation to children under the age of
5: rolling up in gym mats, "mat sandwiches," and resting under a pile of beanbag
chairs. It is simply impossible to hold older children securely using these
altemative methods. Two holding therapy successes have been reported by parents,
and both involved young children (Randall and Randall 1989, Stribling 1989).

The squeeze machine may be most useful for older children or adults. In older
children and adults, the squeeze machine can apply considerable amounts of
pressure. The device is also available for use at any time. Older children and
adults often feel embarrassed playing "children's games" with the therapist and
prefer to use the squeeze machine in privacy.

Children with ADHD are often strongly attracted to the machine. There are
suggestions that the use of the machine may allow reduction in the dose of
psychostimulant required to treat these children.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that the squeeze machine may be beneficial to some children with
autistic disorder or attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder, and is of little
value to others. Serious side effects appear to be minimal.

In treatment of children with autism, a very heterogeneous disorder, it is
well-known that a treatment that works for one individual may be useless for
another. It is possible that the squeeze machine will be most beneficial to
those autistic people who h ave problems with oversensitivity to sensory
stimulation. These problems are perhaps due to an abnormality in the modulation
of sensory inputs in several sensory modalities, and may be related to
structural abnormalities in lobules V, Vl, and Vll of the v ermis of the
cerebellum observed in patients with autism. Some individuals with autism, who
have greater cognitive problems and relatively few sensory problems, may be less
likely to benefit.

The possibility that use of the squeeze machine might allow dose reductions
of psychostimulants, or conceivably, other medications, is intriguing, but
awaits formal demonstration.

At present, the squeeze machine should be considered a novel treatment that
has not been subjected to careful evaluation of clinical efficacy or safety.
Preliminary observations in humans are encouraging, but the data are inadequate
to recommend routine use in clinical care. However, a calming response to deep
touch stimulation appears to be characteristic of a diversity of animals, and
may represent a relatively "physiological" approach to sedation that has been
overlooked by psychiatry researchers.

The squeeze machine can be obtained commercially for approximately $2000 from
Therafin Corporation. Plans can also he obtained from the author 19747 Wolf Rd.
P.O. Box 848, Mokena, Illinois, 60448 708-479-7300 or 800 843-4234

Ayres JA:Sensory Integration and the Child.
Los Angeles, western
Psychological Services, 1979

Anderson
J:

Sensory intervention with the preterm infant in the neonatal
intensive care unit.
Am J Occupational Therapy 40: 1 9-26, 1986

Barnard
KE, Brazelton TB:

Touch: The Foundation of Experience.
Madison (CT),
International Universities Press, 1990

Bauman
M, Kemper TL:

Histoanatomic observations of the brain in early infantile
autism.
Neurology 35:866-874, 1985

Chambers
WW:

Electrical stimulation of the interior of the cerebellum of the
cat.
Am J Anatomy 80 ss93, 1947

Courchesne E, Yeung-Courchesne R, Press GA, Hesselink JR. Jemigan
TL:

Hypoplasia of cerebellar vernal lobules Vl and Vll in
autism.
N Engl J Med 318:1349-1354, 1988

Crispino
L, TM Bullock:

Cerebellum mediates modality specific modulation of sensory responses
of midbrain and forebrain of rats.
Proc Natl Acad Sci (USA) 81:2917-2929,
1984

Field
TM, Schanberg SM, Scafidi F, Bauer CR, Vesa-Lahr N, Garcia R, Nystrom J, Kuhn
CM:

Tactile-kinesthetic stimulation effects on preterm
neonates.
Pediatrics 77:654-658, 1986

Grandin
T:

Sensory interaction processes and the effect of pressure applied to
the lateral body surfaces on auditory thresholds.
Undergraduate thesis,
Franklin Pierce College, Rindge, NH, 1970

GrandinT:

My experiences as an autistic child.
J Ortho Molecular
Psychiatry 13:144-174, 1984

Grandin
T:

An autistic person's view of holding therapy.
Communication
23:75-76, 1989a (Published by National Autistic Society of England)

Grandin
T:

A voluntary acceptance of restraint by sheep.
Appl Animal
Behav Sci 23:257-261, 1989

Grandin
T, Scariano MM:

Emergence Labeled Autistic.
Novato, CA, Arena Press,
1986

Grandin
T, Dodman TN, Shuster L:

Effect of naltrexone on relaxation induced by lateral flank pressure
in pigs.
Pharmacol Biochem Behav 33:839-842, 1989

Gunzenhauzer N (ed):

Advances in Touch: New Implications in Human
Development.
Skillman (NJ), Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products,
Inc., 1990

Harlow
HH, Zimmerman RR:

Affectional responses in the infant monkey.
Science
130:421-432, 1959

Hartsock
TG:

Maladaptive behaviors of piglets weaned at 12 hours
postpartum
(abstract). J Animal Sci 49 (Suppl):47, 1979

Imamura
KN, Wiess T, Parham D:

The effects of hug machine usage on behavioral organization of
children with autism and autistic-like characteristics.
Sensory Integra
Quarterly 27: 1-5, 1990

King
L:

Facilitating neurodevelopment.
Autism Society of America,
Conference Proceedings, Seattle (Washington), July 1989, pp 117-120

Kootz
JP, Marinelli B, Cohen DJ:

Sensory receptor sensitivity in autistic children.
Arch Gen
Psychiatry38:271273, 1981

Krauss
KE:

The effects of deep pressure on anxiety.
Am J Occup Ther 41
:366-373, 1987

Kumazawa
T:

"Deactivation" of the rabbit's brain by pressure application to the
skin.
Electroencephalog Clin Neurophysiol 15:660-671, 1963

Lieb SA,
Benfield G, Guidubaldi J:

Effects of early intervention and stimulation on the preterm
infant.
Pediatrics 66:83-89. 1980

Ornitz
E:

Neurophysiology of infantile autism.
J Amer Acad Child
Psychiatry 24:251-262, 1985

Marcuse
FL, Moore AU:

Tantrum behavior in the pig.
Journal of Comparative Psychology
37:235-241, 1944

McClure
MK, Holtz Yotz M:

The effects of sensory stimulatory treatment on an autistic
child.
Amer J Occupational Therapy 45:1138-1142, 1991

Nyhan
WL:

Behavior in the Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.
J Autism Child Schizophr
6:381-389, 1976

Powers
MD, Thorworth CA:

The effect of negative reinforcement on tolerance of physical contact
in a preschool autistic child.
J Clin Psychol 14:299-303, 1985

Provence
S, Lipton RC:

Infants in Institutions.
New York, International Universities
Press, 1962 Randall G, Randall P: Communication 23:57, 1989

Ritvo E,
Freeman BJ, Scheibel AB, Duong T, Robinson H, Guthrie D, Ritvo A:

Lower purkinje cell count in the cerebella of four autistic subjects:
Initial findings of the UCLA-NSAC autopsy research report.
Am J
Psychiatry 143 :862-866, 1986

Stribling P: Communication 23(2):56-57, 1989 Takagi K, Kobayasi S:

Skin pressure vegetative reflex.
Acta Medical et Biologica
4:31-57, 1955

Teitlebaum P:

Levels of integration of the operant.
In: Handbook of Operant
Behavior.
Edited by Honig WK, Staddon JER. New York, Academic Press,
1977

Teitlebaum, P:

Disconnection and antagonistic interaction of movement subsystems and
motivated behavior.
In: Changing Concepts of the Nervous
System
Academic Press, New York, 1982

Tellington-Jones L, Burns U:

The Tellington Jones Equine Awareness Method.
Millwood, NY,
Breakthrough Publications, 1985

Welch
MG:

Retrieval from autism through mother child holding
therapy.
In: Autistic Children: New Hope for a Cure.
Edited by
Tinbergen N, Tinbergen EA. London, Allan & Unwin, 1983

Address reprint requests to: Temple Grandin, Ph.D.

Department of Animal Science
Colorado State University
Fort Collins,
CO 80526
USA