River – Sensory Roller

River is a 10-year-old boy living with Autism Level 3, ADHD and an intellectual disability. He lives with his mother Ann, who is his main support.

Over the past 18 to 24 months, River has made some important gains with the support of his family, therapists and support workers. His behaviours of concern have reduced, he is now toilet trained, he has learned to ride an adaptive trike-bike. He recently had his first birthday party with his first friend.

River continues to need significant sensory input, particularly deep pressure, to help him regulate. At home, this has often meant Ann providing pressure through couch cushions. But as River grows older and bigger this has become harder for her to manage, especially when he needs that input regularly.

MAD funded a Sensory Roller, which allows River to climb between two large padded rollers and receive deep pressure in a way he can control himself. The support gives him a practical way to meet his sensory needs more independently.

His occupational therapist shared:

“Please find some pictures of River already enjoying his Sensory Roller that the MAD foundation funded. He didn’t even wait to leave the warehouse to give it a go.

This is going to help with River being able to meet his own sensory needs, particularly as he gets bigger and needs more input moving into his teenage years.

Thank you so much on behalf of River and Ann (River’s mum).”

— Bronwyn Northcott, Paediatric OT