Our Innovation Centre designs and builds innovative, bespoke products to help disabled children discover and engage with the world around them. We love families getting in touch with an idea for something that will help their child.
Arthur’s grandad, Sean, is a keen aquarist and noticed how Arthur was fascinated with watching the fish. He got in touch with our Innovation Centre to see if they could help build a tank that would be suitable for Arthur’s needs.
He explained: “My grandson is autistic and spends literally hours just staring into my aquarium and talking to the fish. This seems to soothe him and prevents meltdowns. Unfortunately, he does sometimes gently bang the glass which isn’t fair on the fish and is a worry regarding breakage. When I saw your aquarium, it seemed perfect! I’m a keen aquarist and have everything else required to set up a tank for him to enjoy at his home. I just don’t have a tough enough tank that I could in all conscience leave there knowing it was safe”.
Our team set to work to build a fish tank for Arthur to enjoy – and one that would keep him, and the fish, safe. Gerallt, one of our talented CIC designers explains that the Cerebra Fish Tank is “designed to bring calming sensory stimulation into the home. Our aquarium features protective plywood casing and polycarbonate windows to keep fish safe from curious hands. This enclosure allows children to enjoy the therapeutic experience of watching fish swim, while preventing damage to the tank and equipment”.
The fish tank has been a huge success. Arthur’s mum, Jess, got in touch to say:
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the wonderful fish tank you’ve made for Arthur. Arthur has been absolutely obsessed with it since it arrived and it has really helped to calm him, and keep him still, which rarely happens! He has also been saying ‘fish’ and wanting me to watch them with him. He doesn’t often communicate so this is very special. I can see this being a wonderful thing for him. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity, it really does mean a lot”.
It got the seal of approval from grandad Sean too: “It honestly couldn’t have come at a better time. He just loves fish so this will be his pride and joy”.
Hello,
My name is Shannen, and I am mum to two wonderful boys, Jaxon (5) and Odi (3). Jaxon has a diagnosis of Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Odi is currently on the pathway to an ASD diagnosis.
I recently came across Arthur’s story on your website and was amazed by the bespoke fish tank your Innovation Centre created for him. It encouraged me to get in touch because so much of his story resonated with our family.
Both of my boys are completely fascinated by fish and aquatic life. They can spend long periods watching fish swim, and it is one of the few activities that captures both of their attention while helping them feel calm and regulated. We often visit aquariums when we can, but busy environments can sometimes be overwhelming, so having something similar at home would be incredibly beneficial for them.
Like Arthur, my boys are naturally curious and sensory-seeking. While I have considered an aquarium for some time, I have concerns that a standard glass tank would not be the safest or most suitable option for our home. The protective design of Arthur’s tank, particularly the enclosed casing and durable viewing panels, seems ideal for children with additional needs.
I truly believe that a bespoke sensory fish tank could provide the boys with a calming focus, encourage shared interaction, and become a positive part of their daily routine. As they both share such a strong interest in fish, it would be something they could enjoy together for many years.
I appreciate that you receive many enquiries, but I wondered whether this might be something your team would be willing to consider or discuss further. I would be grateful for any advice or support you may be able to offer.
Thank you for taking the time to read my message, and for the incredible work you do for disabled children and their families.
Kind regards,
Shannen
Hi Shannen, Thanks for getting in touch and your lovely feedback. Please complete the CIC contact form and one of the team will be in touch to discuss. All the best, Andrea