Did you know that many children who have autism find comfort in wearing weighted vests that provide a sense of security to them?
A group of six college students from the University of Minnesota took this concept and applied it to a backpack that is specifically designed to help children with autism. It also started back in September when the group was asked to come up with an idea for a startup in their “Entrepreneurship in Action” class. After brainstorming, the “Nesel Pack” was created.
Team member Will Radke, 21, grew up in a foster home, and after living with many children with disabilities, it helped shaped his interest in creating a product to help them. Soon, the rest of the team was onboard.
Being that autistic children often have sensitivities to light, sound and touch, this backpack was created to give them much-needed comfort.
The Nesel Pack includes security straps on the backpack that are meant to feel like a hug and mimic a weighted vest.
The backpack has hooks, which allow students to attach different sensory tools, such as items to chew on, or tools designed to help reduce fidgeting.
The creators also added a slot in the front of the knapsack that can be personalized with a family photo, a favorite stuffed animal or a name tag for identification.
Radke and the other creators of the backpack launched a Kickstarter campaign on March 19, 2016, and have already raised over $15,000. The feedback from parents of children with autism has been great, but the price isn’t so ideal. At $115 per knapsack, the team hopes to get their costs down and plan on working with a different manufacturer in the future.
Dr. Paul Wang, head of medical research at advocacy organization Autism Speaks, told ABC, “In order to know how beneficial their product is, they’d need to test it and provide data.”
“We’re hoping to make a real difference in the lives of those with autism, as well as other disorders where something sensory friendly would be helpful,” says Martha Pietruszewski, one of the Nesel Pack’s founders says.
To purchase your own Nesel Pack, please click here for more information.
Do you think the Nesel Pack will be beneficial for children with autism?
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[Featured Image: Martha Pietruszewski, Today.com]
Students Design Backpack To Bring Comfort To Children With Autism is an article from: LifeDaily