A weighted blanket, also known as autism or sensory blanket, is filled with materials that apply deep pressure stimulation on those wearing it. They are often filled with glass beads, cotton, or other materials to apply weight to the body which gives a sense of security and relaxation.
Many autistic people experience hypersensitivity to bright lights or certain light wavelengths (e.g., LED or fluorescent lights). Certain sounds, smells, textures and tastes can also be overwhelming. This can result in sensory avoidance – trying to get away from stimuli that most people can easily tune out.
The weighted blanket's therapeutic use for autism came about as a result of sensory integration theory. It suggests deep pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system for some people who are sensitive to touch. Sensory differences are common in autism. You may crave touch or shy away from it.
What are weighted vests used for? Weighted vests are used to help people process sensory information. Supporters of this therapy believe that when people get better at processing sensory information, their focus, attention and learning also improve.
Avoid habituation: have your child wear the vest for no longer than 15 minutes at a time. Following approximately 15 minutes of wearing, a child will habituate to this newly imposed sensory input and it will no longer be an effective tool.
Some therapists recommend as little as fifteen minutes while others encourage wearing them throughout the academic time in class. The positive benefits of a weighted vest usually happen while the child is wearing the vest. However, in cases where it is calming, often it can be taken off and the child will remain calm.
Weighted blankets are used as an intervention strategy to improve sleep in children with autism who have sleep impairments [12,13]. The current underlying posit for weighted blanket use is to provide deep touch pressure stimuli, thus acting as a calming mediator by increasing parasympathetic activity [13,14].
As mentioned before, releasing those neurotransmitters in the brain from weighted toys can help improve focus. This is a benefit not only to children with autism but also for children with attention disorders such as ADHD.
Weighted blankets work so well for kids with autism that they have also been known as “autism blankets.” They are comprised of safe materials that apply a light to deep pressure stimulation when worn. Weighted blankets help put our nervous systems to rest, creating an overall sense of relaxation and calm.
*Please note: You must have Assistive Technology or Consumables budgets in your plan. *Most of our products can be purchased using NDIS funding, however some products such as weighted blankets are classed as high risk and require additional approval.
Why does this happen? Vestibular stimming behaviours include spinning, twirling and body rocking. These movements affect the vestibular sensory system and, like other stimming behaviour, may provide a necessary sensory input and help children with ASD feel alert, calm or to stay organised.
Too much information. Sometimes an autistic person may behave in a way that you wouldn't immediately link to sensory differences. A person who finds it difficult to process everyday sensory information can experience sensory overload, or information overload.
Due to sensory sensitivities, someone with autism might: display unusual sensory seeking behaviour such as sniffing objects or staring intently at moving objects. display unusual sensory avoidance behaviours including evasion of everyday sounds and textures such as hair dryers, clothing tags, vacuum cleaners and sand.
Stuffed animals are great comfort objects
Whether they're four years old or forty, many people with autism are easily overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of everyday life. That's why they often turn to comfort objects that can provide security and some sensory regulation.
Sand, Slime, or Putty
Another one of the best sensory toys that might be beneficial for your child is sand, slime, or putty. These allow your child to play while also developing fine motor skills.
Dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are not just cute companions, they're also great for helping autistic children with their social and emotional development. If you're fostering a child with autism, here's how pet therapy can have a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Many autistic children seek deep pressure to become relaxed. They often wrap themselves up in heavy blankets, get under sofa cushions and maybe even wedge themselves in tight places just to get relaxed.
People with autism may get easily attached to people, leading them to become over-friendly. It can be difficult to understand other people's perceptions of situations, therefore what they feel is appropriate, may be considered as socially unacceptable.
A sensory tag blanket offers babies and children ribbons and tags that they love to stroke and run on their face. This feeling helps them to feel safe and reduce the anxiety they are feeling. Often used as a sleeping aid, it can help them to self soothe and fall asleep easier.
But weighted vests aren't right for people with back or neck problems. "It puts pressure on your spine, and if you have spinal stenosis or significant disc degeneration, it can cause problems all the way to the neck," Downey warns.