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Cadettes Build Sensory Tool for Children with Autism

Both the staff and the patients at the PLC were thrilled to see The Zipper and use it for the first time. The staff made sure to send the girls lots of pictures and videos of patients enjoying the creation (and continue to do so).

“It was so much fun being able to collaborate with the girls on this project,” Libby said. “Initially, I feel like it was all about the physical structure, but once the girls were able to come to the clinic, see our setting, and learn about our clients, it became much more about the kids we serve rather than just the structure itself.”


“Initially, I feel like it was all about the physical structure, but once the girls were able to come to the clinic, see our setting, and learn about our clients, it became much more about the kids we serve rather than just the structure itself," said Libby, clinical instructor at the PLC.


Libby says that the response to The Zipper has been overwhelmingly positive and that the project opened up an important dialogue about how her patients are the “same but different” than their peers and how sensory processing and other issues related to autism work. By completing this project, the girls were able to build awareness of and sensitivity to others with a range of disabilities, Libby explains. And the best part? Every single one of her patients has gravitated toward The Zipper and enjoyed it.