Michael O'Brien

My name is Michael, and I’m a father to an incredible little boy named Owen who is on the autism spectrum. Like many parents of autistic children, I’ve watched my son struggle with things most people never think twice about transitions, new environments, sensory overload, and moments where his body and mind just need help calming down. As a parent, there’s nothing harder than knowing your child is overwhelmed and wishing you could give them something that truly helps. Over time, I noticed something important: Owen, like many autistic children, seeks comfort through pressure and touch. It helps him feel grounded and safe. But so many of the tools available are either overstimulating, bulky, expensive, or simply not practical for everyday life, especially for young children. That’s where this idea came from. I’m working to create a simple, wearable calming aid designed specifically for young autistic children, something soft, discreet, and comforting that can help with regulation without noise, screens, or distraction. Not as a “toy,” but as a supportive tool built with understanding and care. I’m not a big company. I’m a dad trying to turn lived experience into something that can help other families who know this journey all too well. This project is being developed through the Neuro Tech Autism Foundation, with the goal of making supportive tools more accessible and affordable for the families who need them most. The funds raised here will help move this idea from concept to reality, creating safe prototypes, working with therapy informed guidance, and protecting the idea so it can be responsibly shared and scaled. If you choose to support or even just share this fundraiser, please know that you’re helping more than a product come to life. You’re helping parents feel less alone, and you’re helping children like Owen have a little more comfort in a world that can often feel overwhelming. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for believing in this mission.