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If you have ever used a weighted blanket, you’ve likely experienced the relaxation that comes with having additional pressure on your body. However, for children, especially hyperactive children, it’s unrealistic to send them walking around with a weighted blanket! This is where a weighted vest comes in handy because it’s attached to their bodies. It is portable and moves with the child through their play and daily activities. What Are Weighted Vests Used For? 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
Temple Grandin, in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, described her own experience with autism and how deep pressure helped her overcome severe anxiety and stress (Grandin & Scariano, 1986). Types of Weighted Vest In a study found in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2001, five children with ASD, utilizing a weighted vest, demonstrated improvements in attention to task and a decrease in self-stimulatory behaviors. A decreased number of distractions was the most consistent improvement observed. This study should be also interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. What Are Weighted Blankets And Vests Used For Proprioception avoiders are highly sensitive to movement and outside input. They are easily overwhelmed by touch and movement. Choose timing of wear schedule wisely. It is most appropriate and effective to implement the use of the weighted vest during times where your child may be completing activities such as school work, crafts, eating, playing games requiring communication ( utilizing AAC devices to engage during family game time), etc. as these tasks require increased attention/ focus. Having your child wear the vest during times where they are passively watching TV or using devices would not be beneficial. There is no harm in trying a weighted vest on a 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.Here are some of the benefits that have been reported by weighted vest wearers, therapists, and parents: 10 Benefits of Weighted Vests A weighted vest, weighted clothing, compression clothing, compression bed sheets, or weighted blanket are just some of the tools used to support individuals with autism.
Weighted vests should only be used by children that need to focus or calm down. Not all children with autism require a weighted vest since it can be uncomfortable or distracting. If you see any sign of distress, then discontinue the use. The weighted vest can also pose a physical impediment when the child cannot remove the garment independently. Losinski M, Sanders SA, Wiseman NM. Examining the Use of Deep Touch Pressure to Improve the Educational Performance of Students With Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 2016 41(1), 3–18. doi:10.1177/1540796915624889 There are no clear rules on how long a weighted vest can be worn. It is best to consult with the childs therapist to plan a wearing schedule that the child will get accustomed to without much difficulty.To me, this is much more harmful than trying a strategy such as a vest, or noise canceling headphones. Due to the absence of scientific evidence that weighted vests work, it’s important to observe a child with autism while wearing one—especially if the child has limited communication skills. If a child is uncomfortable or no improvement is seen, then it’s best not to use it. There are no clear rules on how long a weighted vest can be worn. It is best to consult with the child’s therapist to plan a “wearing schedule” that the child will get accustomed to without much difficulty. Matyas, T. A., & Greenwood, K. M. (1990). Visual analysis of single-case time series: Effects of variability, serial dependence and magnitude of intervention effects. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 23, 341–351. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1990.23-341. 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.
In this particular study conducted by Chang Gung University, the researchers looked into the physiological effects that weighted vests have on anxiety. The participants in this study were all neurotypical, as well as dental patients that expressed anxiety about going to the dentist. In addition, these participants did not have previous experience using weighted blankets before. Keep in mind that removing the vest is just as much of a sensory experience as donning it in the first place. So directly after wearing, you will likely see a benefit as well and then your child will again, get used (habituate) to the feeling without the weight of the vest. There are two types of weighted vests that are currently marketed to people with autism: Compression vests and Deep Pressure Vests.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. A meta-analysis (including a systematic review) that complied recent data for deep pressure therapy items, including weighted and compression vests, squeeze machines, and brushing therapy, found that none were supported by evidence for any reason (Losinski, Sanders & Wiseman, 2017). Many of the studies reported on were low-quality for a number of reasons, and it is unknown how this could contribute to the results. Weighted Vests and Autism 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? Remember how we were talking about kiddos being un-regulated and having little power to tell their own bodies to regulate themselves and calm down? How Weighted Vests Assist Autistic People
Outside the field of research, teachers and therapists using weighted vests on children with autism is already a common and accepted practice. Although it might not apply to all kids with autism, a weighted vest is said to provide the following benefits: 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. The benefit suggested of a weighted device or compression material refers to the regulation of the central nervous system, and the physical input through the proprioceptive system. This input can impact sleep, temperature regulation, to organize and calm the nervous system. It’s easy to see the connection between the nervous system, regulation of the individual, and functional performance of tasks. The Oxford Health NHS Foundation, for one, has stated that it “does not endorse nor advocate the use of weighted or compressive products.”The theory behind weighted vests is to provide the child with sustained deep pressure input to his/her muscles and joints (proprioception) as this type of sensory input is known to be calming and organizing.
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