Clinical Experience

Type of Facility: Educational Facility

Patient Population using the Somatron:
Students at the Dunbar School with various diagnoses. including Rett Syndrome and Autism.

Date of Reported Experiences:
Primary Findings: Reduced crying episodes, increased relaxation and succeeded as a motivational reward.

Music Used: Not Specified

Contact Information:
Dunbar School
Weir Avenue and Baker Street
Weirton, West Virginia 26062
Phone: (304)748-0980

A report from the Dunbar School in West Virginia discussed the various ways that they used their Somatron with some of the clients that attend their school. One student with a diagnosis of Rett Syndrome was introduced to the Somatron in an attempt to see whether a vibrotactile intervention could successfully reduce extreme crying spells. A progress report indicated that, indeed, the use of the Somatron appeared to be beneficial. The Somatron was also used with students during Physical Therapy to investigate its effects upon muscle tone, developmental issues, and self-stimulatory behavior. Infant stimulation was another area that was discussed. It was proposed that infants at the Dunbar School be provided with opportunities to experience vibrotactile stimulation via the Somatron while being massaged. Finally, a student diagnosed with Autism was introduced to the Somatron in an attempt to address this student’s whining behavior. The Somatron was used in this situation to increase relaxation and also as a motivational reward as this particular student responded very positively to the experience.