What Are Weighted Vests for Autism?

By sandra.caplesc…, 24 June, 2022
Girl in vest smiling at the camera.

Children with autism spectrum disorder crave deep pressure. Some might even like hugs and squeezes and want that feeling with them wherever they go. Since that is not possible, weighted vests have been invented to solve this issue.

Autistic children have sensory processing disorders, so they need to work with an occupational therapist to explore several sensory-motor strategies. This way, they will achieve their goals and be more independent in the future. Weighted vests are a pediatric occupational therapy practice that may or may not help meet a child’s sensory needs.

What Are Weighted Vests?

A weighted vest (or a compression vest) is a wearable piece worn over clothing that helps improve task behavior. It adds extra weight to the vest by using a heavy fabric or by filling the pockets with weighted objects. For example, you can use it when riding the car for gentle proprioceptive input.

The weighted vest will provide the proprioceptive input using deep pressure stimulation to the joints and muscles of the body. The pressure signals the brain and helps the person focus and keep calm. Since compression vests target the proprioceptive input of the child with autism, many parents and educators find them helpful during stressful times.

How Do Weighted Vests Help?

Deep pressure has a calming effect on autistic students. Weighted vests provide deep pressure across the shoulders and necks, improving classroom behaviors and helping students focus better. The theory is that the added pressure relaxes a child’s muscles, reducing anxiety and helping him be more attentive.

Furthermore, it’s believed that when the central nervous system is well regulated, the physical processes occur more efficiently. This way, it encourages better sleeping habits and positively affects interoception (the sense of internal conditions, such as thirst, hunger, etc.).

While there is no solid evidence that wearing a vest reduces stereotype behavior or stimming, therapists have noticed a decrease in behavior. A study found that children with autism who wore weighted vests had an 18 to 25% increase in on-task behavior completion of fine motor activities. That’s why teachers and therapists use weighted vests in classrooms, a common and accepted practice.

What Are Weighted Vests Used for?

A weighted vest increases the intensity of a specific physical activity, especially in fitness and exercise. The child can simply work out, bike, walk, or carry out chores while wearing a weighted vest.

How to Choose the Right Vest

  • Consider the material. Some weighted vests are form-fitting, while others offer active compression.
  • Think of the fabric. Think of what your child likes to wear daily; don’t use weighted denim vests if your little one doesn’t like them.
  • How often will your child be changing out of the vest? If you change often, think of the easiest way for your child to change, like velcro, zippers, or snaps.
  • Think of the design. The design, pattern, color, and pictures are fundamental when selecting a vest for the child.

What Are the Benefits?

Weighted vests are a soothing accessory that has a calming effect and feels like a hug. For some children affected by sensory processing disorders, it provides enough sensory feedback to help a child focus in class. In addition, they are used to help with some stereotypical behaviors such as stimming.

Weighted vests can help improve:

  • Coordination
  • Self- and emotional-regulation
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Increases attention span
  • Problem-solving
  • Functional communication
  • High order thinking
  • Body awareness
  • Motor planning

Tips

Working with a therapist who knows and has evaluated your child with autism is essential. The therapist must know if the child needs additional support.

Before you start, you should observe your child while wearing the weighted vest. Since there is limited evidence that shows the effectiveness of weighted vests, it’s best to observe your child while they’re wearing the vest. For non-verbal children, look for any cues of physical discomfort. Listening to your child is the best source of information.

Below you’ll find tips for ensuring the safety and comfort of your kid:

  • Start light and increase the weight. Remember: the vest should not end up being more than 5-10% of a child’s body weight.
  • The weight should be evenly distributed. The vest should fit snugly to your child’s body, and the weight should be evenly distributed throughout the vest.
  • Avoid habituation. At first, your child should wear the vest no longer than 15 minutes at a time. Otherwise, your child may get used to wearing the vest, which will no longer be effective. You can try to schedule it, meaning your child can wear it 2 or 3 times per day.
  • Choose the time carefully. Ensure your child wears the weighted vest when doing activities such as crafts, eating, school work, or other tasks requiring attention and focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Weight Should the Vest Have?

No studies show how much weight a vest should have, but it usually needs to have from 5-15% of a person’s body weight. This is based on therapist experience and research on maximum weight allowances for backpacks. A heavy-weighted vest can result in back injury or overstimulation.

How Long Should a Child Wear a Weighted Vest?

Some therapists recommend that the child wear the vest for as little as fifteen minutes. Others encourage the child to wear the weighted vest throughout the class. There is concern regarding the child becoming used to wearing a vest, which no longer becomes effective. That’s why the recommendation is for the child to wear the vest during specific activities that require them to focus; often, the vest can be taken off, and the little one will remain calm.

Do All Autistic Children Need a Weighted Vest?

Weighted vests should only be used by children that need to focus or calm down. Not all children with autism require a weighted vest since it can be uncomfortable or distracting. If you see any sign of distress, then discontinue the use. The weighted vest can also pose a physical impediment when the child cannot remove the garment independently.

The weighted vest should not be used if the child has:

  • Skin allergies
  • Respiratory problems
  • Cardiac/heart problems
  • Circulatory problems
  • Serious hypotonia

What Kind of Therapy Is a Weighted Vest?

Weighted vests fall into the sensory integration therapy category, usually performed by an occupational therapist. In occupational therapy, it is believed that the stereotypical autism behavior stems from over-or under-sensitivity to outside stimuli. By wearing a weighted vest, the child will overcome sensory difficulties through the deep pressure sensory input.

Can You Make a Weighted Vest?

You can find weighted vests in online shops, but if you are talented in sewing, you can definitely sew your own. Modify a vest by adding pockets inside or outside the vest, then add weights. As weights, you can use modeling clay or bean bags. Ensure you check with a therapist before adding weight and remove them when washing the vest.

Do Material and Design Matter?

It’s essential to think about the cloth/material of the vest because it will affect the child’s sensitivity level. An autistic child has certain textures they don’t like, so making a child wear something they don’t like will only cause meltdowns. You can choose your weighted vest here or here.

The design will also encourage the child to wear the vest. Pick something that your little one likes, such as his favorite cartoon character—this will help the child into the habit of putting on a vest. Ensure the vest looks like a regular or a jacket to avoid alienating the child.

Read: Protecting Your Autistic Child from Bullying.