Inmu Case Studies (NZ)

 

Case Study 1

Background and Evaluation

Richard* is 23 years old. He has Shaken Baby Syndrome and lives with grandparents. He has loss of vision in one eye and is prescribed a wheelchair for outings in the community due to his behavioural challenges. He bites, pushes people, self-harms, breaks things and ‘shuts down’ in times of stress. He finds transitioning to different activities difficult to manage. His grandparents find taking him out into the community especially difficult, as getting in and out of the car is a particularly challenging transition. It can take around an hour to get either in or out of the car. Richard requires high level and ongoing care.  Richard has used vibrating and weighted products in the past with some success. He shows little interest and does not often stay with activities for more than 5-10 minutes.

Richard’s Occupational Therapist trialled two INMU with him, the InmuRELAX and InmuJOY. He responded really well to the InmuRELAX, and would actively seek it out when given the choice between the two Inmu. He interacted with the Inmu RELAX for approximately 45 minutes. At one point during a visit, Richard became frustrated about a small incident in the house. The Occupational Therapist presented the InmuRELAX to him, which distracted him from the stressor and enabled him to immediately self-calm safely.

Recommendations

The occupational therapist recommended that the InmuRELAX be used to when Richard starts to show signs of stress at home and in the community, and to use it to help with car journeys. When distressed, present the Inmu to him from behind or the side, as he is more receptive in this way.

Richard’s Occupational Therapist secured funding through ACC for the InmuRELAX and an Inmu vest.

Outcomes

Use of the InmuRELAX:

• Enables Richard’s grandparents to present a safe alternative for him to self-soothe in times of stress, increasing his independence.
• Enables Richard’s grandparents to offer him something without getting too physically close to him in times of stress, increasing physical safety for those at home and in the community.
• Allows Richard to engage in a more meaningful way with others at home and in the community. 
• Increases Richard’s focus and attention, enabling him to carry out daily tasks in a calmer way.
• Is an ongoing support. It is used in different contexts to enable continuity of support, and predictability in Richard’s life.
• The Inmu vest allows Richard to receive constant input when required, which will enable him the use of his hands to carry out his daily activities.

 

Case Study 2

Background and Evaluation 

Rochelle* is 13 years old. She has cerebral palsy from a brain injury. She requires the use of a powerchair. While she has the physical capability to use a regular wheelchair, her posture is better in a powerchair. When using her chair in the community, Rochelle requires two caregivers- one to walk in front of her (walking backwards to guide and direct) and the other to walk along side (to take control of the joystick on her chair when required) in case she drives her wheelchair off course.

Rochelle has poor focus and attention. She seeks proprioception and vibration by navigating her wheelchair over cracks and bumps on the ground. This can be hazardous. Rochelle loves to use her vibration plate, which she likes to use on her sternum. When Rochelle uses her wheelchair inside, she finds it very difficult to navigate through doorways.

Rochelle’s Occupational Therapist trialled the InmuJOY and Inmu vest with her. Use of the Inmu during the trial enabled her to navigate through a doorway for the very first time without bumping into the doorframe. However, Rochelle kept leaning forward in an attempt to receive more input from the InmuJOY. In the second trial, the Occupational Therapist used the InmuRELAX and InmuDANCE with her. Rochelle preferred the InmuDANCE to the other Inmus. She used the inmuDANCE with the Inmu Vest, and interacted very well it.

Recommendations

Rochelle’s occupational therapist recommended that Rochelle wear the Inmu with the vest during times when she needs to focus and attend. It is recommended that she use the Inmu when she is out in the community to allow her to get the sensory input she seeks while driving her chair.

Rochelle should use the InmuDANCE with the vest. This will enable Rochelle to use it ‘hands free’. The firmness of the vest will also give some proprioception on her chest and torso.

The Inmu has different volume settings. The loud setting should be used while moving about in the community, while the quiet setting should be used while Rochelle is in class (so as not to disturb others).

Rochelle’s occupational therapist secured funding for the Inmu Dance and vest through ACC.

Outcomes

The InmuDANCE:

•           Has increased Rochelle’s independence in the community. She is able to use her wheelchair with one support person rather than two.
•           Improved Rochelle’s safety in the community. As the Inmu and vest gives Rochelle the vibration and pressure she seeks, she can to focus better to use her wheelchair safely and no longer needs to drive her wheelchair over bumps and cracks in the ground to receive sensory stimulation.
•          Gives Rochelle the sensory input she requires to focus and engage with tasks at school, home and in the community. 

 

*Names have been changed for privacy