Weighted Vests, Compression Vests and Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets have helped many individuals to calm and sleep at night.  Many options are found online and we have a local resource if interested, just contact me for her name!  

Weighted Vests: weighted vests are often used to help children receive the proprioceptive sensory input and deep pressure input they need during the day and they work very well in the classroom setting.  You can also choose a weighted lap or shoulder wrap.  

Some children find vibration massager neck wraps to work as well as weighted input.  

The best vests are those chosen by the child, in a style that does not look different from normal vests worn with clothing.

The easiest way to adapt a normal vest is to sew pockets into the inside of the vest. It is best if these are a total of 8 pockets with two on the top back and front, and two on the bottom back and front so that the weight is evenly distributed from top to bottom and front to back. 

How much weight? 10% of a child's body weight is the max. evenly distrubuted among the pockets. The main concern is that the weight is even, so each pocket should have the same amount of washers.

How often to wear? The best schedule for wearing in 20 minutes on, 30 minutes off. The main concern is that the vest is off more time then on. The child should move some with the vest on for the best input to joints.

Weighted compression vests can be very beneficial if worn also during some high concentration tasks, especially for students having a hard time attending to sit down work or are fidgety in their seats.

It is best to combine the weighted vests with a sensory diet routine that involves vestibular, proprioceptive, and deep touch input every 2 hours at least.

Find weighted products at:  http://autismproducts.com, http://www.funandfunction.com or search You TUBE for homemade options!  

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