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

Product Information

Shaw, S. R. (2002). A school psychologist investigates sensory integration therapies: Promise, possibility, and the art of placebo. NASP Communiqué, 31(2). Retrieved August 9, 2006, from http://www.nasponline.org/publications/cq312si.html.

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;2017:7534972. Published 2017 Jan 9. doi:10.1155/2017/7534972 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.). It’s essential to think about the cloth/material of the vest because it will affect the child’s sensitivity level. An autistic child has certain textures they don’t like, so making a child wear something they don’t like will only cause meltdowns. You can choose your weighted vest here or here.

What can weighted vests help with? 

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.

Identify a simple way to measure the effectiveness of the weighted vest. This can be done with the help of your child’s Occupational Therapist or teacher. Keep in mind what you identified as the “why” behind choosing a weighted vest. By developing a progress monitoring tool that is specific to your child, you will know what works and what doesn’t! In addition to lap weights, some online stores sell weighted lap pals which are stuffed animals that are filled with weights. These can be comforting if your child likes stuffed animals. Preparing your child for weighted vests Moderate evidence suggests that weighted items can increase attention and occupational performance. Although weighted vests can provide some of the benefits listed above, every child with autism is unique. Results may vary between children. For example, a weighted vest may help your child focus and get better sleep at night. However, it may not be as helpful in reducing anxiety. Children with autism are prone to emotional episodes, tantrums, and meltdowns, and this can be a distraction if it happens inside a classroom.The placebo effect is a beneficial health outcome resulting from a person’s anticipation that an intervention will help. How a health care provider interacts with a patient also may bring about a positive response that’s independent of any specific treatment. 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.

The weight should typically be 5-10% of the body weight, higher for a weighted blanket, as the weight is distributed differently. Adjust as needed for maximum effectiveness. Some people are more sensitive to input than others. Barton, E.E., Reichow, B., & Wolery, M. (2007, May). Double blind placebo evaluation on the engagement of young children with autism. Poster session presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Seattle Washington. We endorse heading over to nice Weighted Vest for Autism & Compression Vests critiques for our top evaluations, pointers, and in addition statistics. Some therapists don’t recommend wearing it for more than an hour at a time, while others allow for it to be worn during an entire school day.

Weighted Vests Or Wearables For Children

The cloth/material of a weighted vest is important because it will affect a child’s sensitivity level. If a child with autism has certain textures that he/she doesn’t like, then it would not help to make the child wear a weighted vest with the said unwelcome texture. To me, this is much more harmful than trying a strategy such as a vest, or noise canceling headphones. Vests load weight directly to your shoulders and upper body, meaning theyre especially taxing for your respiratory musclesthe diaphragm and deep intercostals. But even just walking or hill climbing while wearing a weight vestcan elicit a powerful calorie burn and eat up your legs, Hulslander adds. 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? 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.

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. The benefits can occur in a very wide range with the most frequently reported being increased attention, focus and concentration as well as an increased sense of calm and reduction in anxiety. Occupational therapists often support individuals on the autism spectrum in the classroom, home, community, and clinic. OTs work closely in early intervention services with individuals diagnosed with autism. As important as this vest is, the cost of buying it from the store is very expensive. However, with these few materials, you will be able to make your weighted vest. Therapists have been using weighted objects like blankets and vests as a therapeutic device for those diagnosed with autism for years. The extra weight can help adjust hormone levels in the body associated with mood. In turn, that can lead to lower stress levels. The History of Weighted Clothing For AutismOne of the most difficult parts of a literature review is understanding how likely it is that the study results are actually “true”, and therefore, clinically significant. In my review below, I have noted how strong the level of evidence, so that you can decide how best to use the information moving forward. Weighted Products should only be used under the supervision of a suitably qualified person. We recommend you consult with your Occupational Therapist or other healthcare professional prior to using weighted products. 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.