Do weighted blankets help with autism? How heavy should a weighted blanket be for an autistic child? Why does deep pressure help with autism? These are just some of the questions we are asked at Heartlinks. We understand that parents of children with autism are always looking for different ways to provide support to them with challenges, such as helping with emotional regulation or reducing harmful behaviors.
Yes, weighted blankets have gained tremendous popularity as a tool for helping children manage sensory overload and anxiety, but do they work? Based on research and the positive experiences from families, we believe that weighted blankets benefit autistic kids.
The following is an overview of how and when to use a weighted blanket most effectively with your autistic child.
What Are Weighted Blankets?
Weighted blankets for autism are no different from traditional ones in that they’re available in many sizes, colors, and fabrics. Yet, unlike standard blankets, a weighted blanket contains filler that creates an equal weight distribution. Different filler types include ball bearings, glass beads, or plastic pellets. You can find weighted blanks that weigh around 3 pounds for kids and can weigh upwards of 35 pounds for adults.
How Do Weighted Blankets Work?
Despite many conflicting opinions, weighted blankets were not invented for autism. The weighted blanket was invented in 1997 after Keith Zivalich was driving on a lengthy family road trip. His daughter placed her Beanie Baby “Pugsly” on his shoulder to keep him company while he drove. Keith immediately noticed how the weight of the toy’s beads made him feel relaxed and like he was being hugged.
By applying deep pressure touch, also known as deep pressure therapy, to the body, the weighted blanket stimulates the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and behavior. Serotonin becomes melatonin, which is the chemical that regulates our sleep-wake cycles.
Additionally, the weight from the blanket also activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for calming the body down, decreasing heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol (the stress hormone) levels.
What Is The Primary Benefit of Weighted Blankets?
According to research, 40% of children on the spectrum experience anxiety. Whether it’s a specific phobia, a generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, as a result, parents are always looking for ways to reduce their child’s anxiety.
One widely recognized ABA therapy tool is weighted blankets for autistic children. The deep pressure provided by the blanket can help increase the release of oxycontin in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety in children on the spectrum.
Can weighted blankets help with aggressive behavior?
Kicking, biting, and scratching are all examples of aggressive behavior that autistic children can demonstrate due to cognitive delays, difficulties regulating emotions, and sensory processing disorders.
While ABA therapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for reducing these incidents, there has been no clinical evidence for weighted blankets and controlling autism aggression. While some studies suggest that weighted blankets may help reduce aggressive behavior by promoting calmness and relaxation, the research is still limited and inconclusive.
Do Weighted Blankets Help with Sensory Issues?
The introduction of weighted blankets into ABA therapy is rooted in sensory integration theory, which suggests that deep-pressure touch calms the nervous system and can lessen anxiety in autistic children. This is especially important for children diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder (SPD), a condition affecting around 80% of autistic children. SPD makes it difficult for them to receive and process information effectively, often described as having a ‘neurological traffic jam’ in the brain’s ability to interpret sensory information correctly.
One of the SPDs that a weighted blanket for autism benefits the most is children who struggle with the proprioception sensory system, which helps us understand movement and body position. Proprioception is one of the eight sensory areas that can be affected by a sensory processing disorder, and the deep pressure therapy provided by a weighted blanket can stimulate this system. By increasing proprioceptive input, the blanket helps relax and calm children who have difficulty with this type of sensory processing.
For children with touch sensitivities, another type of SPD, the uneven textures of standard blankets may cause discomfort. In contrast, a weighted blanket’s consistent, even pressure can feel soothing and provide comfort and calm for autistic children.
Can Weighted Blankets Improve My Child’s Sleep?
No conclusive evidence suggests that using weighted blankets for autistic children at night will help improve their sleep. In the most extensive study on the connection between the two, researchers found no notable difference in sleep patterns between children using traditional blankets and those using weighted ones. Still, it was noted that they preferred the latter over the former.
On the other hand, a retrospective follow-up study involving children and adults with autism and ADHD found that weighted blankets did provide benefits. The findings suggested improvements in sleep duration throughout the night, the ability to fall asleep, relaxation during the day, and ease of waking up. The authors couldn’t make a clinical recommendation because the results weren’t insignificant.
When Can I Use a Weighted Blanket with an Autistic Child?
After a Meltdown
If your autistic child is prone to autism tantrums, a weighted blanket can help de-escalate the situation. Some of our parents and caregivers at Heartlinks have discovered that encouraging their child to sit or lie under a weighted blanket when they notice an impending meltdown makes the outburst less extreme and shorter.
Improve Transitions
Weighted blankets can benefit autistic children during transition times, such as moving from one activity to another, changing environments, or even getting ready for bed. Often, these types of activities can trigger overwhelm or stress for children with autism, mostly in part due to the unpredictability and sensory overload they may experience.
The deep pressure provided by a weighted blanket has a calming effect on a child’s nervous system and can help them cope with the changes in their routine. Sometimes, as part of our parent ABA therapy training, we show them how it can be used as a self-soothing technique when traveling to school, preparing for bedtime, or even playing sports.
Choosing The Right Weighted Blanket
There are thousands of weighted blankets available on the market. Though we can’t recommend one over another at Heartlinks, we can provide tips about what you should look for.
Weight
Manufacturers recommend that the weighted blanket you choose should weigh between 3-12 pounds for children. You’re looking for a weighted blanket heavy enough to reduce sensory input while offering deep pressure therapy. By comparison, a blanket that is too heavy may feel suffocating and restrict circulation.
Size
Weighted blankets that are too small may not provide enough coverage for the child. If they’re too large and they’re overwhelming. Usually, weighted blankets available in “throw size” are considered most suitable for children. Remember, you want to purchase a weighted blanket that covers your child’s feet, stomach, and legs.
Filling
As previously mentioned, there are a variety of different types of filling available for weighted blankets. Metal or glass filling are great environmentally friendly options. At the same time, plastic is a better budget-friendly choice.
Fabric
Is your child sensitive to certain materials like cotton or wool? Or are they attracted to smooth textures such as velvet? Those are choices only you can make for your child. Remember that if they’re a hot sleeper, you may want to select a breathable weighted blanket, such as a cotton one.
Heartlinks Can Help You and Your Child
Weight blankets for autistic children have become valuable, helping them and their families manage sensory challenges, emotional regulation, and anxiety. While the research on the blanket’s many uses is still evolving, our parents at Heartlinks have reported many positive experiences when using it with their children. When selecting your child’s blankets, you must consider size, filling, and fabric.
At Heartlinks, we encourage parents to emphasize the importance of positive reinforcement when introducing a weighted blanket to their child. It is designed to be used as part of a calming routine, after meltdowns or at bedtime, and by encouraging your child to use it during these times, they’ll develop a positive association with it.
Are you ready to learn how a weighted blanket could support your child? Contact Heartlinks today to understand how it can become a tool in a holistic approach to helping your autistic child.