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If you take the object off for a period of time, then don it again, the stimulus becomes new and recognized. Not all kids are going to love the feel of weighted vests. For example, my son, a proprioception-seeker, loves the feel of a weighted and compression vest. On the other hand, my daughter, who is proprioception-avoidant, has a strong aversion to any kind of weight on her! For her, a sensory swing has been a better option. This data does not make any statement towards other “sensory” experiences that are play-based, functional, or explorative in nature. It's important to recognize that what works for one autistic individual may not work for all. Parents considering a weighted or compression vest for their child should observe how their child responds to pressure to gauge whether it could be helpful for them. Ultimately, the effectiveness of weighted vests for individuals with autism and sensory processing issues may vary. A personalized approach should be taken to determine if it is a suitable intervention for each individual. Weighted Vests and Sensory Integration Consider the material. Some weighted vests are form-fitting, while others offer active compression.
The weight of the vest should be 10% of your child’s total body weight. Anything more than 10-15% can injure your child. Weighted vests can be used at home, outside in the community, and even at school. When taking it to school, ensure that your child’s teachers and staff are aware that they are wearing a weighted vest. It’s always important to keep your school and your child’s ABA team aware of any changes you are implementing with your child. What can weighted vests help with? The stimulant, such as Ritalin, fills their cup faster than other sensory input. Once the cup is full, the person seeking input feels satiated, and can focus on work, functional tasks, or social skills. It is similar to needing to eat until you are full. Think of the fabric. Think of what your child likes to wear daily; don’t use weighted denim vests if your little one doesn’t like them. National Research Council (Ed.). (2001). Educating children with autism. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Making a weighted vest may be complex from mere looking at the picture but once you lay your hands on the materials required and you start working on it, it becomes easier and faster. For this vest, it takes the creator up to 2 hours before completion.
Can Weighted Vests Help Kids With Autism And Sensory Challenges
A child who is unable to process various sensory inputs properly may resort to stereotypical behaviors like repeated gestures or become clumsy, unresponsive, or overly upset. There is no harm in trying a weighted vest on a toddler or child who has ASD. However, it is important to be working with an Occupational Therapist who has evaluated your child and can provide additional support through exploring this tool. Below are some tips to ensure the safety and comfort of your child while wearing this kind of vest. Some therapists dont recommend wearing it for more than an hour at a time, while others allow for it to be worn during an entire school day. A weighted compression vest is the “best of both worlds” because it has the added weight within the vest, but at the same time provides the tightness needed for sensory input.
There is no harm in trying a weighted vest on a child with autism. However, there are some tips to ensure the safety and comfort of the child while wearing this kind of vest. How heavy should it be? Furthermore, it’s believed that when the central nervous system is well regulated, the physical processes occur more efficiently. This way, it encourages better sleeping habits and positively affects interoception (the sense of internal conditions, such as thirst, hunger, etc.). The Oxford Health NHS Foundation, for one, has stated that it “does not endorse nor advocate the use of weighted or compressive products.” In some cases, therapists recommend weighted vests to children with autism to provide deep touch pressure to help them relax and focus during a classroom activity. Supporters of this practice believe the added pressure to the child’s muscles helps reduce anxiety and allows him/her to be more attentive.For example, children who have respiratory problems, cardiac or heart problems, serious hypotonia, skin allergies, or circulatory problems may need to avoid using a weighted vest. Additionally, if your child has hypermobility a weighted vest is not recommended. It's important to note that a weighted vest should never be used as the sole intervention for sensory processing difficulties. It should always be used in conjunction with other sensory strategies recommended by an occupational therapist. Additionally, the use of a weighted vest should be individualized and based on the specific needs and sensory profile of each child. Is a Weighted Vest Right for You or Your Child? For instance, therapists recommend up to 12 percent of the person’s body weight instead of 5 to 10 percent. Another great resource is the use of sensory clothing, or clothing that supports sensory needs, no matter the diagnoses or preference. In recent years, there are more options out there as well as greater availability to accessing sensory-friendly garments. Should Occupational Therapists Use Compression Vests?
Wearing a weighted/compression garment for more than the allotted 20 minutes is not necessarily harmful, it just stops working as effectively. Under the right supervision, a vest can be worn for longer periods if it is not possible to complete this type of rigorous wearing schedule. Watch for signs of shut down, overheating, or excessive fatigue. Stereotypical behaviors are repetitive body movements or moving of objects. This behavior is often seen in people with autism and other developmental disabilities.Furthermore, if a child is unable to remove the vest on their own, it may pose a physical impediment and should not be used. Perhaps you're more interested in a compression or pressure vest? Well, no worries! You won't believe how easy (and how frugal!) making one of these vest can be with these great tutorials. There is substantial evidence that weighted vests can affect behavior with its deep pressure, as seen in real-life scenarios and testimonies. It is a step closer to finding a simple solution to a complicated problem. Wearing weighted vests and other weighted objects (like weighted blankets) is part of a practice called sensory integration therapy. This approach aims to help children who have difficulty processing multiple sensory inputs at the same time.
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