Why weighted vests for autistic children

A weighted vest is no different! Here are some of the benefits that have been reported by weighted vest wearers, therapists, and parents:. Increases therapeutic carryover of sensory diet activities. How to Best Use a Weighted Vest. Keep these considerations in mind:. Unfortunately, the research is inconsistent in giving a clear guideline for wearing schedules, however, it is recommended to initially introduce the weighted vest during a preferred activity.

If the child should wear the weighted vest for the minute activity, be sure to remove the vest for the same time period to allow the nervous system to reset. Some parents and educators feel that the compression vests are helpful during especially stressful times i. Should your child require additional, more consistent input throughout the day, consider adding a tight-fitting undershirt lycra-based. So, if your child is 40 lbs, the vest weight would be lbs. This is important as you do not want to overstrain their bodies with more weight than what is safe.

The weight should be evenly distributed as much as possible. Identify a simple way to measure the effectiveness of the weighted vest. How to Choose the Right Weighted Vest. While weighted vests are common recommendations by occupational therapists, the research behind these sensory tools is inconsistent depending on the study conducted who was involved, how many children were studied, observable changes targeted. Additionally, 3 of 4 subjects asked to wear the weighted vest beyond the testing periods.

Similar positive outcomes were noted in the study published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy by Doreen Fertel-Daly, Gary Bedell, Jim Hinojosa that looked at the positive effects of weighted vests on attention to task and decreasing self-stimulatory behaviors in preschoolers with Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

The research behind deep touch pressure is supportive for promoting physiological regulation respiration rate, heart rate, blood pressure and reducing anxiety.

Since the design and purpose of weighted vests and compression vests target the proprioceptive system by increasing the amount of input, it is logical to make the connection that the positive findings of DTP research would also be the case in product-specific research. Unfortunately, the research on the effectiveness of weighted vests has been inconsistent through the years and additional research is necessary to build consensus.

More research is needed to better understand and measure the observable changes with these products - from sensory, behavioral, attention, and social-emotional perspectives.

However, subjective data from parents, therapists, and children is overwhelming positive and warrants an individualized approach to exploring weighted vests as sensory tools for your own tool box. Decreased self-stimulatory behaviors for children with autism. Increased therapeutic carryover of sensory diet activities. When using a weighted vest, it is important to:. Weighted Backpacks. RelaxPack, a patent-pending Sensory Backpack, was created by a pediatric Occupational Therapist to provide children with soothing comfort on the go.

Making this a one-of-a-kind Multi-Sensory Backpack! Sensory Processing Disorder Weighted Blankets. Weighted blankets are a sensory tool that often Occupational Therapists recommend for children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders to assist with calming and sleep.

If your child weighs 40 pounds then that would be 4 pounds plus 1 more pound to make a 5 pound weighted blanket. Please follow these guild lines for safety. They were created for the Love Andrew Foundation, Star Room Project, with the sensory needs of autistic children in mind. The weight and texture, along with the Star Essence aromatherapy essential oil blends, Focus Blend or Relax Blend, create a calming and grounding effect.

The textural stars on the front of the Hemp Fur Star variation also gives the student or child something to fidget with. Therapy Shoppe 3 lb. Our Scented Minkee Weighted Lap Pad is a travel-sized sensory lap pad that's scented with just the right amount of calming lavender. These smaller-sized and more discreet 8"x12" weighted lap pads are a lot thicker than others and feature a sensationally soft, removable furry minkee cover that is wonderfully tactile and washable, too. Ideal for classrooms, the office, or travel; these one-of-a-kind sensory fidget tools offer the same powerful calming benefits as larger-sized ones.

They make a wonderful weighted fidget lap pad for extreme tactile seekers. Weighted Lap Pad for Kids or Adults, 5lbs Weighted Lap Pad: Our Try our weighted lap blanket today! Our weighted lap pad for adults or kids is made from an ultra-soft, 2 sided fabric the family will have to fight over who gets it!

This weighted lap blanket is a great soft, travel sized blanket or weighted pillow. Our laminated cotton fabric is lead free as well as PBA free. It is washable and may be wiped off with an antiseptic cleanser.

This is greatly appreciated by care givers. Our new Lap Pad is offered in a choice of 2, 3 or 4 pounds. A weighted blanket or lap pad is a simple, non-drug option that can be used day or night.

They reduce anxiety, calm nerves, provide comfort, and promote deep sleep. If your child has autism or sensory processing disorder, this weighted vest for kids is right for your family.

This autism compression shirt for kids makes the perfect partner for when your little one is feeling overloaded. Watch your child relax and find focus in this sensory pressure vest. This weighted vest kids is perfect for those seeking deep pressure sensory stimuli. This weighted vest for kids with autism is completely portable. It is so amazing and exciting that you can receive sensory benefits from the right Clothing.

There are so many benefits of deep touch pressure such as reducing anxiety, improving attention, decreasing hyperactivity, improving body awareness, assisting with self-regulation and much more. There are many conditions that could benefit from deep pressure sensory input. This adorable, relevantly styled weighted vest comes with FIVE hidden inside weights placed in our 5 inside pockets, which can also house additional accessory weights sold separately.

Consult with a Sensory Occupational Therapist or contact us with questions for more information. No tags one tear away tag to limit sensory sensitivity increasing calmness and focus capabilities of child.