Finding calm amid the storm

Oliver is four years old, full of movement, and full of heart. Life so far hasn’t gone easy on him – which is why Satan’s Little Helper wanted to give him a way to find some calm amid the storm. 

Diagnosed with autism and facing ongoing sensory challenges, Oliver has also endured a string of hospital visits since birth – battling severe eczema, asthma and recurrent ear infections. At his worst, his skin was so inflamed he looked like a burns victim.  

“He was wrapped in wet cloths for 20 hours a day,” says his mum, Jezamay. “Blood tests all came back clear in the end – and thankfully his skin has healed since then.” 

Now, with school on the horizon and a new chapter approaching, Jezamay is doing everything she can to build a support system around her son. From toileting and tooth brushing to nutrition and sensory regulation, everyday life presents a series of hurdles for Oliver. The family are waiting on input from occupational therapists and a dietician to help ease those challenges. 

“We’re hoping for help with things like skincare, teeth brushing, and tips for redirecting him when he gets distressed,” she says. 

“At the moment, he turns to head-banging when overwhelmed.  We’d love to explore other options, like spinning or jumping, that might help him self-regulate more safely.” 

The right tool for the job 

Oliver currently spends a lot of time on his swing but, when he’s sick or especially overwhelmed, swinging doesn’t cut it. Spinning, however, is a different story. It calms his system and helps bring him back into balance.  

Jezamay suggested a spin seat would be a safe way for Oliver to get “vestibular stimulation”, referring the vestibular system, primarily located in the inner ear, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.  

Various movements and sensations, like rocking or spinning, can safely ‘activate’ the system for a calming and soothing effect. 

That’s where Satan’s Little Helper stepped in, sending a spin seat to help put the theory to the test. 

Jezamay says it’s been a revelation. 

Calm amid the storm 

“He uses the seat daily,” says Jezamay. “He’s quickly learned it’s a great tool to use when he’s feeling overwhelmed and has started to use it unprompted.” 

She describes it as another tool in the family’s basket – something they can gently guide him to when they see his energy rising or his emotions starting to tip over. 

“It satisfies his near-constant need to be moving his body and he enjoys that it’s his space just for him. His big sister doesn’t use it, as it makes her dizzy, but he could spin like crazy and not feel dizzy at all!” 

There’s joy in those spins – not just relief. There’s joy, too, in the small rituals the family has built around what works for Oliver. Takeaways from HELL Pizza are one of them. So, along with the spin seat, we also sent Oliver and his family a voucher to enjoy a takeaway night on us! 

“He loves the sides – hash sticks, wedges and garlic bread usually – and we only order HELL for pizza as his big sister is coeliac, so it’s our go-to for safe gluten-free takeout.” 

There’s still a long journey ahead – new therapies, new routines, new environments – but with a bit of support and a few smart tools, Oliver’s path forward is starting to look a little less bumpy.