Harkla Weighted Vest for Kids - Neoprene Compression Vest for Autism, ADHD - Ages 2 to 4 - Adjustable Kids Weighted Vest with 2lb weight - Breathable and Washable Compression Vest - Small

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Wearing weighted vests and other weighted objects 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.

Consider how often your child will be changing in/out of the vest and the easiest way to do that: snaps, zippers, velcro? Rear-closing for adult-only fastening or front-closing for independence?The use and benefits of weighted vests for children are the same for adults. However, certain adjustments can be made, so it fits the persons age and preference. Weighted vests provide proprioceptive input using deep pressure which sends signals to the brain which, as a result, helps a person feel calm and increase focus. Benefits of a Weighted Vest for Autistic children Therapists and caregivers claim that weighted vests can help calm a distressed child. This is based on the theory that the deep pressure provided by the vest creates a physical reaction that “reduces excitability and decreases arousal” ( Blanche & Schaaf, 2001). When not to use weighted vests

Olson, L. J., & Moulton, H. J. (2004b). Use of weighted vests in pediatric occupational therapy practice. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 24(3), 45–60. doi: 10.1300/J006v24n03_04. You can get the effects of deep touch therapy via a special massage, a gentle touch, or even weighted objects. And as the effects of weighted blankets became clearer, they became more popular, inspiring therapists to test out other variations like weighted clothing for autism. If you’re looking for something a little less post-apocalyptic, there’s good news. Weighted clothing options exist that are weighted while also looking stylish. Bearaby’s Weighted Cardigan: The Napigan For adults and kids with autism, a weighted vest is said to be a sensory instrument to help increase focus, concentration, and self-regulation. Show your child pictures of the weighted vest - This can help to reduce their anxiety about wearing the vest themselves and is a good first step in this process of preparation.Here are some of the benefits that have been reported by weighted vest wearers, therapists, and parents: 10 Benefits of Weighted Vests It might be the key to success you have been looking for, and might prevent more intrusive treatment strategies. Many times medical doctors prescribe simple medications in the hopes that symptoms will be alleviated, without actually having test results to confirm a diagnosis. The vest can be used as a preventative technique or a for calming in case you or the one that you love are suffering from a breakdown and/or meltdown. those vests also are best for calming kids within the lecture room environment. Children with autism are prone to emotional episodes, tantrums, and meltdowns, and this can be a distraction if it happens inside a classroom.

These are met with mixed results, but for a specific cross-section of the ASD arc, they are a godsend. If a physical therapist recommends trying one out, you can be pretty sure they have a good idea of how effective it will be for your child. Chances are, he or she probably already wears one at school when he/ she needs it. Effective communication between teacher and parent lets you know if this is the case. Weighted vests are sometimes used as part of sensory integration therapy to provide deep pressure input, which can be calming and regulating for some individuals with sensory processing difficulties. By wearing a weighted vest, individuals can receive the proprioceptive input they need to help them feel grounded and more in control of their bodies. The weight should be evenly distributed. The vest should fit snugly to your child’s body, and the weight should be evenly distributed throughout the vest. It is widely used as a safe and effective treatment for sensory integration and has been recommended and safely used in schools, hospitals and the home setting.Bestbier L, Williams TI. The Immediate Effects of Deep Pressure on Young People with Autism and Severe Intellectual Difficulties: Demonstrating Individual Differences. Occup Ther Int. 2017 Jan 9;2017:7534972. doi:10.1155/2017/7534972. Unsurprisingly, there is limited guidance from our OT leaders at AOTA and AJOT that is specific to compression vests. This means that therapists can wait for guidance to come out, conduct their own research to add to the mix, or follow their next best available guidance. My gut tells me to follow the guidelines from AJOT for weighted vests, noted above. While both vests are built differently, they still provide deep pressure that is needed to help the wearer feel calm, focus, or reduce stereotypical behavior.