Nathan Bollar wanted to find a way to help those with autism as he worked toward becoming an Eagle Scout. The result: the 18-year-old built a copy of Temple Grandin’s “squeeze machine.”

Bollar, who works with children who have autism as a developmental therapist, got the idea from his supervisor who said she always wanted her own two children with autism to be able to try Grandin’s contraption.

The machine, which is essentially a padded booth that squeezes a person’s torso as they lie inside, is designed to produce a calming effect. It was developed by Grandin who is well-known for speaking about her own experience living with autism.

Bollar used designs from Grandin’s website to build his own machine, which is now available for kids to use at the Soda Springs, Idaho developmental disabilities agency where he works.

The results so far have been positive, according to Bollar’s boss, who says the children who have used it are able to relax and have fewer outbursts, reports the Idaho State Journal. To read more click here.

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