April is coming fast. And, it is Autism Awareness Month. Easterseals Southern California (ESSC), a leading provider of disabilities services, has teamed with socially conscious lifestyle brand Rafi Nova, pioneer of the clear Smile Face Mask, to develop a Sensory-Friendly Mask to benefit children and adults with autism and other disabilities, or anyone who finds wearing a conventional mask uncomfortable.
For individuals with autism, and other sensory processing challenges or disabilities, mask wearing can be difficult. A face covering introduces multiple new stimuli, including the fabric's sensation, the pressure of tight elastic bands and the heat and moisture from breath inside the mask.
According to the CDC, about one-in-54 children has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). About one-in-six children aged 3–17 years (17%) were diagnosed with a developmental disability as reported by parents, during a study period of 2009-2017, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, blindness and cerebral palsy, among others. Per the Autism Society, ASD is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S. with 3.5 million+ individuals on the spectrum; 500,000 autistic individuals are transitioning to adulthood.
The premier New England mask maker partnered with ESSC to design a mask with reduced stimuli to address the concerns of people with sensory sensitivities, consulting more than a dozen of Easterseals’ therapists and other licensed and certified staff and working with people who receive services from ESSC, as well as their families and other community members. Over a three-month period, multiple prototypes were tested and revised to achieve a maximally beneficial mask - soft, structured, safe, secure - that provides both comfort and function.
Commented Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Psy.D., ESSC’s Chief Clinical Officer, “There’s little in the marketplace to accommodate people with sensory sensitivities. This soft mask is an outstanding option not only for the autism community, but for all children and adults who I believe will find it uniquely comfortable.” A portion of each purchase will be donated to Easterseals Southern California when you use code: ESSC.
While Callan is not on the spectrum, he does have sensory issues and has since he was a toddler. Issues with tags in clothing and the way things feel on his skin, etc. So a mask on his face was by certain going to be a issue when the mask mandate went into effect in our state over a year ago. He ever refuses to go to certain places or leave the house if he has to wear a mask some days, it is that bad. When I asked him to try the Rafi Nova masks, he said "Oh wow, Mom! These are not bad at all!" That's all the endorsement I need!
Features of the Mask include:
Softness: 100% Mulberry silk lining reduces friction and adjustable jersey knit straps clasp behind the head instead of pinching the ears.
Structured: Minimal design and limited seaming.
Secure: Adjustable nose bridge ensures the perfect fit and decreases glasses fogging.
Safe: Special construction lifts the mask off the mouth and highly breathable cotton is used on the exterior.
Durability: The mask has an antibacterial layer and is reusable and machine washable.
Ease: A clasp on the back ensures ease of putting on and removal. When not on the face, the mask may safely remain on the person and not be lost thanks to an extra strap feature that fastens it behind the neck.
Social Story: Comes with a visual storytelling designed by therapists that helps children understand mask-wearing necessity.
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.
