If you have an autistic child or any other sensory need, then sensory seeking behavior is nothing new to you. If deep pressure is what he’s seeking then he will often walk up to people repeatedly and bear hug them. A weighted vest will do this without needing another person. Joint compressions are helpful
f you have an autistic child or any other sensory need, then sensory seeking behavior is nothing new to you. For those of you who have no clue what I’m talking about let me be fill you in.
Your child seeks out activities that fulfill his current sensory needs. So if deep pressure is what he’s seeking then he will often walk up to people repeatedly and bear hug them.
Joint compressions are helpful for this input but not always practical.
Most likely, insurance is barely covering therapies. They don’t usually cover additional sensory items like weighted blankets or vests for at home use.
All of that comes out of pocket. Sometimes the pocket is empty so creative solutions must be attempted. Some work like our weighted vest and some don’t work well, but I’m not willing to admit any of those.
Regardless, ready made weighted vests and blankets cost a small fortune! You can often get them covered when you apply for grants in case you would prefer a ready made one.
| Here’s what we did in Autismland to make a simple inexpensive weighted vest for Logan. He wears it when he does his lessons or when he’s pacing to calm himself. When he starts hugging me a lot , I tend to make it available. He knows when to get it although when I see him getting dysregulated and generally having trouble focusing, I might suggest it. |
Take a fishing vest with lots of pockets. Ask some fisherman that you know or check out the thrift stores to find one.
We lucked out in that Grampa had an extra one that he allowed us to borrow. We were originally borrowing it for a short period of time .
It’s one of Logan’s most cherished possessions now that he has passed away. A little bit of Grampa with him that is all his own.
Fill some Ziplocs with some inexpensive rice or beans. Dried beans are super cheap and will do the job nicely. Just be sure to seal them tightly. I use duct tape.
Add to the pockets and seal the pockets.
Have the child try it on to see how it feels. If he says it’s too heavy then remove some bags. If it’s not heavy enough then add more . We often adjust the bags depending on how much deep pressure Logan seems to be craving at that time.
There you go! A weighted vest for half the price! These things can easily run $100 or more . Use the money you save to go out for ice cream. I insist. Better yet, come take me out for ice cream.
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