Weighted Vests, Autism, & Why and How to Use Them
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.
When a child is first diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders, parents are often inundated with various treatment ideas and recommendations. Occupational therapy, mental health therapy, cranial-sacral therapy, social-communication classes, nutritionists, sensory diets, and numerous other options are suggested. It can be overwhelming for parents to navigate these choices and determine what is most helpful for their child. That's why I’ll be breaking down some common therapy recommendations for parents in my Neurodivergent Family blog series. In today’s post, we'll discuss one specific option - weighted vests for autism. We'll take a look at weighted vests and autism.
Weighted vests have been gaining popularity as a support to help Autistic children and children with sensory issues. These vests provide a calming and grounding effect, helping individuals better regulate their emotions and behaviors. Weighted vests have been associated with reduced meltdowns, improved concentration, and greater calm. In this blog post, we'll explore what weighted vests are, what they're used for, and how they can benefit weighted vests can help in the context of autism. We'll also discuss the effectiveness of weighted vests and where to buy them for kids.
What Are Weighted Vests?
Weighted vests are vests that are designed to go on top of other clothing and provide pressure through the form of weight or compression. These vests are designed to provide deep pressure stimulation, also known as proprioceptive input. The weight of the vest mimics deep pressure touch, which has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. The pressure from the vest provides a soothing, calming effect that can help reduce anxiety and stress.
If you have ever used a weighted blanket, you’ve likely experienced the relaxation that comes with having additional pressure on your body. However, for children, especially hyperactive children, it’s unrealistic to send them walking around with a weighted blanket! This is where a weighted vest comes in handy because it’s attached to their bodies. It is portable and moves with the child through their play and daily activities.
What Are Weighted Vests Used For?
Weighted vests provide deep pressure stimulation to the body, which can help individuals with sensory issues better regulate their emotions and behaviors. They are often used in occupational therapy sessions to help children with sensory processing issues, anxiety, and other related conditions. Weighted vests can also be used in a home or school setting to help children stay focused and calm throughout the day.
Weighted Vests and Autism
Weighted vests are especially beneficial for Autistic children. Many Autistic people have sensory processing issues, which can lead to sensory overload, anxiety, and behavioral issues. More specifically, weighted vests help with sensory regulation by providing proprioception input. Our proprioception system is one of our three “hidden sensory systems” and is often impacted in the context of autism. Weighted vests can help these children better regulate their emotions and behaviors by providing deep pressure stimulation, creating a calming and grounding effect. But to understand why they work this way, let’s take a quick detour to better understand what proprioception is and how it relates to weighted vests.
Proprioception and Weighted Vests
Proprioception receptors are located in muscles and joints of the body and provide information about where your body is in space. Our sense of body awareness and coordination is impacted by proprioceptive input. The system helps to create smooth movement. Responsible for applying the "right" amount of pressure. You can read more about how to support proprioception differences in children here.
Proprioception Under-Responders (Proprioceptive-Seekers)
Proprioceptive under responders receive less sensation from their muscles and joints and have more difficulty knowing where their body is in space. For this reason, they are often seeking additional proprioception input from their environment!
Proprioception Under-Responder May:
Struggle to know how much pressure to apply (make break pencils or use too much pressure when shaking someone’s hand)
Enjoy jumping, bumping, and crashing into people and objects–sometimes lack awareness of safety and can be prone to accidents.
Prefer rough play and constantly seem to be wrestling with siblings or other children.
Tend to stand too close to others and touch them without permission.
Crave pressure and bear hugs.
Proprioception Seekers and Weighted Vests
For children who seek out proprioceptive input, a weighted vest can provide a deep pressure sensation that can be very calming and regulating. The added weight can also provide a sense of grounding and stability, which can be helpful for children with sensory processing challenges. Other sensory strategies, such as heavy work activities or using resistance bands, may also be effective for individuals who seek out proprioceptive input.
Proprioception Over-Responders (Proprioceptive-Avoider)
Proprioception avoiders are highly sensitive to movement and outside input. They are easily overwhelmed by touch and movement.
Proprioception Over-Responders May:
Avoid physical contact (hugs and other types of contact or pressure)
Avoid physical play and appears timid around others
Refuse to play around slides, swings, and other playground equipment
Become anxious in crowded spaces or when standing close to others
Proprioception Avoiders and Weighted Vests
Weighted vests can be beneficial for some individuals who have difficulty with sensory processing, including those who are proprioceptive avoiders. Proprioceptive input can be calming and regulating for individuals who seek it out, but for those who avoid it, it can be overwhelming and uncomfortable.
A weighted vest can provide proprioceptive input in a way that is gentle and non-invasive, which may be more tolerable for proprioceptive avoiders. The added weight can also provide a sense of deep pressure, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
However, some proprioceptive avoiders will find added weight intolerable or will be slower to warm up to compression clothing or weighted vests due to the added pressure. These children will particularly benefit from working with occupational therapists around sensory integration issues. If the proprioception avoider can tolerate wearing compression clothing or a vest, this may help them to feel a bit more insulated from all of the stimulus coming at them from the world! It is important to work with a medical provider in determining if a weighted vest is a good option for your child. Other sensory strategies, such as deep pressure massage or joint compression, may be more effective for some children who avoid proprioceptive input.
Do Weighted Vests Work?
Research has shown that weighted vests may have a positive impact on children with autism and sensory processing issues. However, like many autism interventions, the research on the effectiveness of weighted vests is mixed! While many individuals report benefits such as improved attention and focus, reduced anxiety and stress, and a sense of calm, research studies focused on behavioral changes found mixed results. Four of the seven studies found no positive effect on behavior (Stephenson and Carter, 2008). Despite this, many occupational therapists have incorporated weighted vests into their sensory processing therapies due to their reported soothing effects.
It's important to recognize that what works for one autistic individual may not work for all. Parents considering a weighted or compression vest for their child should observe how their child responds to pressure to gauge whether it could be helpful for them. Ultimately, the effectiveness of weighted vests for individuals with autism and sensory processing issues may vary. A personalized approach should be taken to determine if it is a suitable intervention for each individual.
Weighted Vests and Sensory Integration
Sensory integration therapy is a type of occupational therapy that aims to help individuals with sensory processing disorders better integrate sensory information from their environment. It typically involves exposing individuals to different types of sensory stimuli in a controlled and structured way, to improve their ability to regulate their responses to sensory input.
Weighted vests are sometimes used as part of sensory integration therapy to provide deep pressure input, which can be calming and regulating for some individuals with sensory processing difficulties. By wearing a weighted vest, individuals can receive the proprioceptive input they need to help them feel grounded and more in control of their bodies.
It's important to note that a weighted vest should never be used as the sole intervention for sensory processing difficulties. It should always be used in conjunction with other sensory strategies recommended by an occupational therapist. Additionally, the use of a weighted vest should be individualized and based on the specific needs and sensory profile of each child.
Is a Weighted Vest Right for You or Your Child?
While weighted vests can be a helpful tool for many individuals with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorders, they are not suitable for everyone. Here are some additional safety measures to have in mind:
It's important to note that weighted vests should not be worn for extended periods of time
They should NEVER be used as a punishment
Additionally, children with certain medical conditions or physical limitations may not be able to wear a weighted vest.
For example, children who have respiratory problems, cardiac or heart problems, serious hypotonia, skin allergies, or circulatory problems may need to avoid using a weighted vest. Additionally, if your child has hypermobility a weighted vest is not recommended.
Furthermore, if a child is unable to remove the vest on their own, it may pose a physical impediment and should not be used.
If you are considering using a weighted vest, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or occupational therapist who can evaluate whether it is an appropriate intervention for you or your child. They can also provide guidance on the correct weight, how long to wear the vest, and how to monitor for any adverse effects.
Determining the Appropriate Weight for a Weighted Vest
The weight that should be added to a weighted vest can vary depending on the child's body weight and sensory needs. As a general rule, the weight added to the vest should be between 5-10% of the child's body weight. For example, if a child weighs 50 pounds, the weight added to the vest should be between 2.5-5 pounds. It's important to remember that adding too much weight can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful, so it's best to start with a lower weight and gradually increase it as tolerated.
In addition to the weight itself, it's important to consider how the weight is distributed throughout the vest. The weight should be evenly distributed to avoid any imbalances or discomfort. Many weighted vests have pockets that can hold distributed weights, such as sandbags or steel bars, evenly. The vest should also be made of a heavy fabric that is designed to distribute the weight evenly. By ensuring proper weight distribution, the child can experience the full benefits of the weighted vest without discomfort or injury.
Alternatives to Weighted Vests
Not all kids are going to love the feel of weighted vests. For example, my son, a proprioception-seeker, loves the feel of a weighted and compression vest. On the other hand, my daughter, who is proprioception-avoidant, has a strong aversion to any kind of weight on her! For her, a sensory swing has been a better option.
Thankfully, weighted vests are not the only sensory tool that can benefit individuals with autism. Similar to how weighted vests are useful for proprioception, swings can be helpful for individuals with vestibular sensory processing issues. Swinging provides vestibular input, which can help individuals better understand their body's position and movement in space. In a separate blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of swings for Autistic children.
Where to Buy Weighted Vests for Kids
Weighted vests for kids can be purchased online or in-store at many retailers. Some popular options include Amazon, Fun and Function, and SensaCalm. When purchasing a weighted vest for a child, it's essential to consider the appropriate weight and size for their age and weight. It's also important to ensure that the vest fits comfortably and securely.
Additionally, it’s important to consult with an occupational therapist or your child’s medical provider. They can provide guidance on whether a weighted vest may be helpful, how to use it safely and effectively, and other sensory strategies that may be beneficial for you or your child.
Summary: Weighted Vests and Autism
Weighted vests can be a useful tool for children with sensory processing issues and autism. They provide deep pressure stimulation, which can help improve attention and focus, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. While weighted vests may not be effective for everyone, they can be a helpful addition to a sensory diet or occupational therapy program. When considering using a weighted vest, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional and ensure that the vest is the appropriate size and weight for the individual's needs.
