Yes that is very true. If they wear it too much they no longer get any benefit from it. I know Michelle had a pattern for weighted blankets. And I think she might had listed some info on weighted vests and blankets in the newbie forum.
Tammy
I was told by my dt and st to try the vest on TJ when he is working in therapy or in preschool this year. When I brought it up with his ot he told me that it is not a good idea because he could only wear or use the blanket for about 15 minutes or he would get used to the weight and they would be useless to him. Is this true? TJ loves to have my floor pillows on him sometimes when he is watching tv( craving deep pressure which is most of the time) and when he sleeps on some occasions. He still does not sleep thru the night(he wil be 3 on the 23rd ). He loves to squeeze in between his dad and I to sleep. After reading all the post about the blankets and vest I am just wondering if it might help him. Sometimes I think his ot is on another planet- he thinks TJs hand flapping is a good thing-on some subjects.
The blankets don't seem hard to make and my st( I love her so) suggested buying a premade vest from a resale shop or garage sale and making pockets to fill for weight so that dont soound too bad either. Most of my great ideas for TJ came from his speech therapist and not his ot.
any help on this would be appreciated. He starts school in 8 short days(counting down until my 16 yo goes back)and I just want to have anything that will make it easier. Do you think he can wear the vest on the bus as a form of self stimulation(he has major sensory issues on top of moderate to severe autism) to make the ride easier? Just curious.
THanks
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
My sister in law is an OT. She was the first to notice the signs of delays in Logan at 12months of age. I asked her about the vests and wristbands and blankets also. She said the same thing your OT said. She likes them, but for only about 20minutes at a time or they will get used to it and they won't have the same effect anymore. I have always trusted her opinion as a friend and a therapist. There are some responses under the question i posted about "my son in constant motion" as well as in the post for newbies to the forum. I hope it helps.
I haven't tried any weighted products yet, they are expensive. My sister-in-law suggested getting one of those vests from the dentist office that they use on patients when they get x-rays. They have the same effect and are not harmful and after a period of uses the dentist office has to replace them, they would donate them to the childrens hospital my sisiter in law works at.
Danielle
thanks Michelle, i didn't know there was such a thing as deep pressure vests. i'm goint ot check it out.
Danielle
Weighted vests are designed to be used and incorporated into a sensory diet... meaning having specific time periods for it to be worn and uding other things during the time it is off such as therapy balls trampolines, hand fidgets, bean bag chairs, body socks, therapy putty, therabands and on and on.... If it is worn all day long than yes a child becomes used to the weight and it is no longer as effective... Weighted blankets can also be used to calm in a corner for short periods of time as well as to be used for sleep... weighted lap pads can be put on the lap for sitting to aide with focus and concentration also weighted back pack pals and weights for the shoulders/neck area.... there are 1001 different things available....
Can weighted vests be used on the bus to aide in calming and transition? DEFINATELY as well as headphones to block out the background noise... If you have your own weighted vest you wouldnt need permission for him to wear it on the bus... and if he is "attached to it, you could always just have someone take the weights out of the pocket for the off periods and put them back in for the on periods.... also just because you have a schedule of when to wear the vest doesn't mean thats the only time... for example lets say on a particular day he doesnt normally have the vest after recess because they think hes getting enough deep pressure on the playground, but maybe it was rainy or maybe something happened that excited him or upset him... the vest can also be put on as needed! Regarding headphones on the bus you would need to check with the school transportation department Here it is legal with permission from the school and a signature from me not to hold the school liable if there is an accident or something and the bus driver gives directions he is unable to hear and follow.
Im curious if you have checked into deep pressure vests vs weighted vests? Heres one example ...... https://www.schoolspecialtyonline.net/search/intermediateDet ails.jsp?catalogPartNum=122015142&catalogCode=I205&r eturnURL=/search/mainSearchResults.jsp&catalogProductId= 41167632
PRESSURE VEST
Velvasoft Deep Pressure Sensory Vests
Vests provide input to the entire trunk. VELCROŽ system allows for easy adjustment and ability to wear for long periods of time. Made with 1.5mm or 2mm neoprene.
Hi
On the vest what the teachers at my son's school did is just make bean bags with different weight levels like using rice, beans, etc. And then bought a regualr fleece vest and sewed pockets in the inside of it. When jason needs more or less weight depending on the activity they change the bean bags out. He wears the vest for about 1/2 hour and then they take a break for a while before changing the weights and trying it again. Another resource you might want to check out is a place called southpaw industries they sell all the things that occupational and speech therapist use and also have recommendations on the weighted items.