Choosing the Right Weighted Blanket for Your Autistic Child

Occupational therapists (OTs) frequently utilize weighted blankets to relax or calm restless or anxious individuals in the autism community. They are also used to treat the sleep and anxiety problems that are frequent in people with autism spectrum disorder.

GodsOwnChild can assist you in finding answers to your questions about why and how weighted blankets can help soothe your autistic child, as well as where to buy them. Continue reading!

Aside from the love and attention you provide a child with autism spectrum disorder, some goods can heighten their sense of security and comfort. A weighted blanket is one of these products. 

Due to their hyperactivity and propensity to have fits if they don't like what is being given to them, it is just as important as the treatment for autistic children.

Anti-anxiety and therapy products 

You may have heard about a variety of things from physicians, therapists, or parents of other autistic children that can help a child with their growth or treatment sessions, such as fidgets, squeezy balls, etc.

You may have also heard of items like lap pads, which are utilized in the treatment and therapy of ASD and are proven to instantly soothe an autistic youngster. A weighted blanket is one of these products. 

Weighted blankets and their use for Autistic children 

A weighted blanket for autistic kids, commonly referred to as an autistic or sensory blanket, is filled with materials that provide wearers with deep-pressure stimulation. They are frequently filled with cotton, glass beads, or other materials that place a weight on the body, providing a sensation of security and relaxation. 

Deep-pressure input is said to have a relaxing impact on the nervous system, according to the Sensory Integration Theory. 

The body receives a firm tactile sensation from deep pressure, which is organizing and soothing, as opposed to a light touch, which is often alert and exciting. 

Weighted blankets: Proper weight for your Autistic child 

From five to twenty-five pounds, weighted blankets are available. It is advised that when selecting a weight, it should be 10% plus one or two pounds more than the user's body weight. 

Therefore, for instance, a blanket for an 80-pound child should weigh 10 pounds, while one for an adult weighing 180 pounds should weigh 20 pounds. Also, the size would change according to the weight. 

There is more to a weighted blanket than just being thick and heavy.

The child's safety is the most crucial factor to take into account while using a weighted blanket

• A suffocation risk could be posed by a blanket that is too heavy for your toddler to remove.
• Please make sure that your youngster can quickly and independently take the blanket off. Weight guidelines for weighted vests and backpacks normally state that no more than 10% of the child's weight should be used, but since blankets are worn all over the body rather than just on the shoulders, a heavier weight may be appropriate.
• 15-20% of body weight is a decent starting point; always start on the low end and make adjustments.
• The other crucial factor is to pay attention to your child. We shouldn't push unpleasant sensory experiences on our kids, so if they complain that they don't like it, perhaps this isn't the right tool for them. Last but not least, it's not advisable to use a weighted blanket on a child younger than two.

Why buy a weighted blanket for your special child?

In contrast to conventional blankets, which are soft and warm, weighted blankets go considerably further and deeper, offering a type of therapy called deep pressure stimulation. 

These blankets have several advantages for children and people with sensory issues or who are autistic, including better sleep, more concentration in class, a decrease in self-stimulatory behaviors, and anxiety reduction. 

Kids who desire heavy compression to relax their senses will find these to be quite helpful, as weighted blankets have grown in popularity and are now used by many people as a simple way to decompress from everyday stress and to aid in improving sleep. 

Fabric and material of a weighted blanket 

There are weighted blankets available, some of which are created with a Minky dot fabric and others with soft cotton. 

The kind of cloth used to manufacture a blanket can make or break a child's life if you're purchasing it for someone with sensory difficulties. The next step is to add the material that will make the blanket heavier. 

To make them heavier, poly-pellets, glass beads, or steel shot beads are typically employed.

To make the blanket heavier, some people additionally add grains like rice, barley, or other types of grains. 

Even the distribution of weight for your child

How well the blanket maintains an even weight distribution is another thing you should consider.

The weight could end up on one side if the beads are permitted to travel throughout. 

This is often accomplished by sewing pockets into the blankets and equally spreading the weight within them. 

Washability 

The blanket's ability to be machine-washed is the final consideration.

You should ask the seller if their blankets can be washed at home or if they need to be transported to a dry cleaner because blankets can differ in the fabrics they use and the weights they use. 

Hence, bear in mind the usual safety considerations that must be observed when purchasing any blanket.

Careful investigation and counsel should be sought before purchasing these weighted products.

Before you choose one, speak with your physician or a qualified therapist. 

Where to buy

Visit GodsOwnChild to see the unique selection of handmade anti-anxiety products, including weighted blankets, body socks for people with autism, and soft toys. Check them out under our brand, Ryan's. 

Explore our activity toys for autistic children for a fun educational experience or our sensory items for Autism for that much-needed healing touch of calming calmness, among a wide range of other services. 

For GodsOwnChild, we carefully select and produce all of our items to meet your autistic child's needs in a way that is safe, suitable, and practical.

Our goal is to make your child happy and provide the best learning opportunities for them.