We are not just talking about the hedgehog ball, but about the ability to use it consciously and purposefully to help in the short term and not cause harm in the long term - that is the skill we mean. This distinction is important to us because the hedgehog ball is often used unreflectively and automatically to suppress feelings and needs, or given out to calm people down without instructions. This can be helpful in an acute ward and give back some autonomy, but should not remain the goal. In the short term, the hedgehog ball may ease emotional pain and bring back focus, which is sufficient in some situations. In the long term, however, it is about developing skills that help to satisfy basic needs in a healthy way: hunger with food, tiredness with sleep, anger with assertiveness and helplessness with curiosity and activity. This requires conscious perception and individual needs management for healthy care and development.