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Saturday, July 11, 2009

Weighted Blankets and More


This is another parent request for a post, this time I was asked about weighted blankets. Here are some articles that reference weighted blankets:
Here are companies who sell weighted blankets and other materials (price listed is for a twin size blanket):Here are directions to make your own.

Although most studies seem to find weighted blankets to be safe there is a need to follow some guidelines with there use. The most important thing to remember, in my opinion are that weighted blankets are a sensory tool, NEVER a restraint or punishment. Here are the recommendations made by the Autism Society of Canada:
  • A health professional’s advice must be obtained to ensure that the use of the blanket is suitable for the child
  • The weight of the blanket must be in proportion of the child’s physique and weight
  • The child’s head must never be, or be able to be, covered by the blanket
  • Vital signs should always be observable
  • The child must never be rolled in a blanket (unless a therapist is constantly at his or her side)
  • A child must never be left unsupervised
  • The child must be able to easily slip out of the blanket if he or she wishes to do so (it is not a confinement)
  • The child must express his or her consent to this, even if it is not verbal

(Autism Society Canada, 2008)

1 comment:

  1. I know these weighted blankets have really done the trip for my daughter who is a real sensory seeker. She loves her blanket! Thanks for the great additional research articles - good stuff.

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