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Angel
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So it's becoming clearer that my 2 yo twins (one of them particularly, but both to some extent) fit the "sensory-seeking"/sensory integration disorder profile. Can anyone tell me about the use of weighted blankets for sensory seekers, including any recommendations for buying one online? Is a weighted blanket the kind of thing I would need to have a therapist's advice on (i.e., something that would need formal diagnosis) or is it something I can easily use on my own?
--Angela
Three Plus Two
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mama251ders
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I am anxious to get this info too. I have a 3yo sensory seeker and I really think she would benefit from a weighted blanket.
Bets
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LisaR
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this must be why my oldest ds loved the trampoline, likes the "pushing" of football and wrestling, and piles on mounds of comforters (he'll take them off sibs beds!) at night, even in summer....
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PDyer
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A friend of ours made us a weighted 'blanket' using a pillowcase and a whole lot of rice. She sewed channels in the pillowcase the long way; we filled the channels with rice, leaving enough room at the end to allow us a solid 1-1/2" seam. Then she sewed it shut. My son used it as a lap blanket when he felt like he needed input.
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rivendellmom
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We bought our weighted lap blanket off of ebay. It cost $20. It could be made at home using the materials listed in the post above. Our 3 year old has been using his since he was 15 months old. Its great for the car, for falling asleep and putting on his lap during dinner so he'll sit for 15-20 minutes. I don't think you need an OT to use one. The ratio is to use 10% of the users body weight.
Hope this helps!
Jen
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Angi
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The bag would be easy to make. Another option that we used a lot in schools (I was a special ed teacher ;) ), was heavy work. This seems to allow the sensory seekers to become more focused.
We would do one of the following for 15-30 mins as needed:
- wear a backpack full of books
- move furniture/vacuum
- lay down with bean bag chair on child
- weighted vest
- large motor movement - running fast/ kick a ball hard / throw bean bags at a wall
That is all I can remember right now.
As far as getting a pros oppinion, I would not worry about it yet (if at all). There are really only 2 things they will tell you:
1 - what sensory diet to implement - but you seem intune with your child enough to know what to do
2 - whether or not to use the Brushing Protocol
HTH
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Waverley
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You can easily buy a weighted blanket and can also make one. If you decide not to consult an OT on using one, I would definitely do some research on effective and safe ways to use one.
For times when I am present, we use a ziploc bag filled with rice and wrapped in a pillow case (can you tell I don't sew?). DD places this in her lap and it does help calm her.
One other type of heavy work we use is pushing or pulling a wagon/cart/doll stroller filled with heavy objects. I'll never forget the day my neighbor came out of her house and was shocked to see my 3 year old pushing a cinder block down the street in her child-sized grocery cart!! We still laugh about it years later.
Good luck to you.
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KC in TX
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Heavy work is great for sensory seekers (my oldest is one). His OT suggested also having him put heavy books on a shelf: the raising of the heavy items would help him. Hanging from a chin-up bar (or even doing chin-ups).
You definitely don't need a pro to use the weighted blanket. I often wonder about using one for my son.
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Anneof 5
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My dd has used a weighted blanket and she is also a sensory seeker. I chose to have one made by one of the OTs in our clinic and I would think you would need some guidance in determining the amount of weight required to provide the best result for your child. I think that is something the therapists would be most qualified to recommend.I cannot imagine trying to figure all of that out without the knowledge of the OT. They usually do not recommend we purchase something until they have tried it a few times in the clinic to see if there is a real need for it.(saves me money!) I am thinking of having her add some weights to a stuffed animal now as dd is not using the blanket as much but still needs something for calming her at times.
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mom3aut1not
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I have a weighted blanket I want to get rid of. Anyone want it for postage? Or pick up in MD?
In Christ,
Deborah
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Karnak
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The autism educational tutor who comes weekly to help my little boy tried a weighted vest on him but it was a no go for him. However he likes piling on the doonas as well. Temple Grandin and several other ASD people who have written their biographies have commented how much they like pressure.
If you can sew it should be easy to find a simple pattern for a blanket or vest by googling for it and looking at alternative therapy websites for autism.
Karnak
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CathinCoffeland
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My SPD son wouldnt do a weighted blanket but loved sleeping in a sleeping bag (he actually slept in rain coat for a while too  )
He hasn't need the sleeping bag since starting deep pressure therapy though.
You could use things without an ot but dont use weighted stuff for too long at a time.
A good OT is worth their weight in gold though. We have a wonderful private one our insurance covers so we didnt have to go through school/state channels.
Consider getting an eval if you can find some good recomendations for your area. 2 is not too young for sensory evals.
Some kids like to wear tight lycra type clothes too under there regualar ones- like bike shorts.
Maggie
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4Real Forums : Special Blessings
Topic: weighted blankets
