Well .. if HE is not uncomfortable with it, why should YOU be?
It's not like they are leaving him unattended that way or anything, is it? I could see the fire thing, in that case ... I could. But if they are right there I think it is okay.
I think you could ask about their intention to transition to a weighted vest, though. That might be reassuring.
My SD strapped my son in a chair and said it was for posture. I went in and saw he was strapped in during lunch and circle time, not for school tasks. I'm not saying it was abusive, but it was a way to keep my son in his chair, and I didn't like it either. If you go in and see them use it, you can say you don't want it used. You might even want that put in the IEP.Just found out they are using a chair hugger type device with Kaden. For those not familiar, it's basically a piece of stretchy spandex fabric, about 1/2 a foot long, that they use to provide sensory input. Kaden sits in his chair and they wrap the fabric around his chest and waist and around his chair. The therapist says he loves the sensation and sits very well for them.
I'm a little conflicted about how I feel about this. I can see the reason for it. And usually if Kaden doesn't like something he will hit, kick, cry and scream and would say "I'm stuck". But the therapist says he's fine with having it on and sits nicely. So, while he's not fighting it, at the same time I wonder, is this abusive, to more or less let them tie my kid into his chair?
Thoughts or Opinions?
If you feel uncomfortable, ask to go in and see how they're using it. If is just with the OT, it is probably what they say, but if it used to keep him in his chair, it will be obvious. Just say you're interested in investing in one and stop in to see it in use.I don't feel uncomfortable about them using it. This is at the same school where he went all of last year. I know all the teachers and therapists and I know they would never do anything abusive or harmful. I'm just not sure if it's right or not. I can see the pros and cons to it......
Perhaps if you truly feel uncomfortable, you could suggest a hug vest, which could provide the same sensory input, but not the restraint to the chair (I'm not sure I would be comfortable with this either).
Also..when you say you just found out, how did you find out?
Good luck.
His OT told me. They are using it for meals times and for seated work only.
They tried the compression vest with him last year and it didn't seem to help much.
I just don't want him to someday come back to me and say "Mom, why'd you let them tie me down in my chair at school?" kwim?
I probably would be worried about if there was a fire. If he is strapped to a chair he can't get out as fast. Call me a worry wort. I guess if it works and you are comfortable with it maybe they can try it for a while. Maybe after a while he will need it less and less.