Weighted Blanket Autism Research

A noted animal scientist temple herself was on the autistic spectrum and one of the first people to publicly share insights from her own personal experience of autism.

Weighted blanket autism research. Research suggests that deep pressure touch such as that provided by weighted blankets and vests can help relieve anxiety in both children and adults with sensory processing disorder as sensory processing challenges are an issue for most people on the autism spectrum deep pressure touch is often recommended as a tool to reduce anxiety and induce calm. How do weighted. Research has found weighted blankets to be safe for adults but so far nothing has been found to suggest they re significantly therapeutic for children with autism. Weighted blankets are sometimes recommended for children with autism to assist with calming and relaxation as well as with sleep.

Ots parents and. Some studies suggest they re an effective way to help children with autism and adhd but more research is needed. Some of the earliest research on dtp and weighted blankets was produced by temple grandin. Weighted blankets are a popular way to relieve anxiety and improve sleep.

Research in 73 young people ages 5 to 16 with autism spectrum disorder asd and severe sleep problems compared a weighted blanket to an identical blanket without the extra weight. To assess the effectiveness of a weighted blanket intervention in treating severe sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder asd. Four studies have focused on weighted blankets. They are often filled with glass beads cotton or other materials to apply a weight on the body which gives a sense of security and relaxation.

Participants were aged between 5 years and 16 years 10 months with a confirmed asd diagnosis and severe sleep problems refractory to community based. The research on weighted blankets. It was therefore enormously valuable to conduct a clinical trial of the. A weighted blanket also known as an autism or sensory blanket is filled with materials that apply a deep pressure stimulation on those wearing it.

These benefits are seen whether the user is an autistic child adult or toddler. They can be used to aid sleep but can also provide anxiety reduction in the daytime. This phase iii trial was a randomized placebo controlled crossover design. In the earliest of those studies published in 2008 in the journal occupational therapy in mental health.

While weighted blankets have benefits for many disorders like depression anxiety ptsd and adhd this article focuses specifically on the benefits of weighted blankets for those with autism.