As more research and studies are done, it is expected that sensory integration techniques will prove to be a valid method for meeting the challenges faced by children with autism in their daily lives. Set up your child’s weighted vest so that it is 5-10% of their body weight. So, if your child is 40 lbs, the vest weight would be 2-4 lbs. This is important as you do not want to overstrain their bodies with more weight than what is safe. The weight should be evenly distributed as much as possible. In a therapeutic setting, professionals sometimes use weighted vests that look similar to what you might see on an athlete doing extra-tough chin-ups. Small weights are distributed evenly across the vest so that it applies consistent pressure across the body.

Weighted vests fall into the sensory integration therapy category, usually performed by an occupational therapist. In occupational therapy, it is believed that the stereotypical autism behavior stems from over-or under-sensitivity to outside stimuli. By wearing a weighted vest, the child will overcome sensory difficulties through the deep pressure sensory input. Can You Make a Weighted Vest? Because of the nature of sensory based treatment strategies, much of what is done is trial and error. 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.

What is a weighted vest? 

Compression garments (may be worn for longer durations, provides consistent input, does not shift like weighted vest might) 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. More rigorous studies are needed to determine if weighted items actually produce a clinically significant effect. When utilizing a weighted vest, it may get some getting used to for your child as they learn to put it on and wear it for an extended period of time. Here at Forta, we want to ensure that your child can succeed and minimize any aversive situations. A weighted vest is not only for children, though it is very common for children. Adults use weighted vests as well, especially those that worked out or those that carried out bodyweight exercises. A weighted vest is very essential for exercises that involve movement of the body such as squats, pushups, pullups.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Ted Kangaroo. I received compensation in exchange for writing this post. However, all opinions expressed in this post are my own, and I only work with sponsors whose products or services I believe in and would use myself.In a 2001 study in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, on-task behavior increased by 18% to 25% for all four students who participated in the study, while wearing a weighted vest. Additionally, three of the four students often asked to wear the vest other than during the observation times. This study should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. 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. 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 We hope that this discussion encourages you to further explore the quality of your practice, treatment methods and strategies, and recommendations for families – how will you move your practice forward? Compression Vest Alternatives The gist thing you need to do is to measure the chest of the child and cut the fabric into two equal pieces. Measure out two webbings and attach D-strings to both ends to secure the vest by the waist.