A high tech Rainham company is linking Havering to North America and the rest of the world, with a revolutionary new product.

Squease, who are based at the CEME campus in Marsh Way, are the inventors of a special jacket which helps autistic people cope with anxiety attacks.

A common symptom of autism is sudden anxiety attacks, which in the case of some sufferers means the need to feel tight bodily pressure, like an intense hug.

The revolutionary design of the Squease jacket, which uses a network of inflatable tubes inside the lining of the garment, means that those affected can self administer the ‘hug’ feeling when an anxiety attack strikes.

After perfecting the jacket, Squease directors Andy Brand and Sheraz Arif have been on a drive to sell the garment to schools, doctors and other organisations specialising in autism.

Their product has now been licensed for use in Canada, is being trialled in the USA, and has entered the market in Australia.

A number of the ground breaking aids for people who have autistism have also been sold in the UK and Europe.

Speaking at the Squease workshop, Andy Brand, said: “We now have 400 jackets sold or under evaluation with various interested parties, including in the USA, Canada and Australia, as well as here in the UK.

“Autism is a world wide problem and we think the potential for sales around the globe is almost limitless. “

At the moment Squease manufacture the jacket in sizes to fit young teens, older teens, and adults, but the company now have plans for a smaller version for five to nine year olds.

Andy Brand said: ”The signs of autism can appear at a very early stage in life. Having produced several larger sizes for secondary school pupils and adults, we are now working on a ‘junior’ version for primary school children.”

Mayor of London Boris Johnson tried on one of the jackets when he visited CEME in May.