weighted vests

Margaret - posted on 12/03/2010

If your child has HFA, he has sensory issues. You may not see them until an older age. And he may have them already. Ever seen a meltdown for "no reason?" They cant always put a finger on what exactly is bothering them....sometimes it is just everything at once. We use a weighted vest when my 8 year old is startong to feel overwhelmed. He goes to his beanbag, i put on the vest, and he chills out for a while. Also, for sensory issues: look up the Therapressure Brush. My son LOVES it. We got it at his Occupational Therapist.

Mandy - posted on 10/21/2010

What a great idea, Jessica! I'm still learning about things to help my 4.5 y.o. son, who was diagnosed last month with HFA and ADHD.

I've seen the weighted blankets and vests, but I thought it was just for sensory issues. Do they help with HFA?

Mollie - posted on 10/16/2009

If you are willing to spend the time, start a "Heavy Play Time" during your daily routine. Have your son or daughter carry "heavy" things from one end of a room to the other side or to you. You can race with your child and make it fun. Use a milk jug with some water in it, a box of soft toys, board books etc. Have your child describe how the objects feel in their arms. Have them use words like heavy, hefty, bulky, awkward, sloshy and the like. If you can't afford the vest half an hour or more of a heavy game will do the work in smaller spurts but is still effective. These games aren't made to be difficult but work more with the repetition of carrying the "heavy" objects over and over. *Make sure that the objects aren't too heavy and won't hurt your child if they drop it on them selves.
Also a back pack with a snap in the front can also work. Just make sure not to load it up too much. If your child is hunching/stooping the pack is too heavy.
Have fun with it! :D

Lisa - posted on 08/27/2009

That is a great idea!! I wanted to try one but they are so expensive. I live in Spain so I am having a hard time finding other options, but I will start to try and think outside the box! haha.