Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Angelle, on our HANDLE course they explained that this is because they don't know where their body begins and ends (proprioception problems) and actually recommended sleeping with your child! Also HANDLE exercises of course. Sara hopeformybaby wrote: > > > Hi All, > Can anyone make recommendations for a good brand/make that do weighted > blankets? > > I am hoping this will be the solution to Josh sleeping in his bed for > the WHOLE night and not running into ours halfway through the night - > he still seeks human contact to give him some sort of assurance even > when he's asleep. > > I am hoping the weighted blanket will do the trick. > > Many thanks, > Angelle > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 We learned the hard way with our 4..... Nt's - If you resist they persist... As soon as they knew they could cuddle in bed with us, they seemed to need less shared time. As a child who had really bad night terrors, I cannot imagine how life would have been without the reassurance of a parents bed. I am not in favour of weighted things- On the continent they have children sleeping in sleepbags.... a bit like a long pinafore dress until they are a few years old as this gives them the freedom to toss and turn and keeps them snuggly warm all night. Best Wishes Tracey On Tue, Jun 9, 2009 at 3:48 PM, hopeformybaby <angelleakwaboah@...> wrote: Hi All,Can anyone make recommendations for a good brand/make that do weighted blankets?I am hoping this will be the solution to Josh sleeping in his bed for the WHOLE night and not running into ours halfway through the night - he still seeks human contact to give him some sort of assurance even when he's asleep. I am hoping the weighted blanket will do the trick.Many thanks,Angelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 I slept with Edith for years. Every time I moved she woke up. She started sleeping much better when she was in her own bed sharing a room with her sister and me for reassurance. I slept with her elder sister and it worked. I slept with Edith and it didn't. Sally Sara Moroza- wrote: > > > Angelle, on our HANDLE course they explained that this is because they > don't know where their body begins and ends (proprioception problems) > and actually recommended sleeping with your child! Also HANDLE exercises > of course. > Sara > > hopeformybaby wrote: > > > > > > Hi All, > > Can anyone make recommendations for a good brand/make that do weighted > > blankets? > > > > I am hoping this will be the solution to Josh sleeping in his bed for > > the WHOLE night and not running into ours halfway through the night - > > he still seeks human contact to give him some sort of assurance even > > when he's asleep. > > > > I am hoping the weighted blanket will do the trick. > > > > Many thanks, > > Angelle > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.59/2165 - Release Date: 06/09/09 05:53:00 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Oh really? That's interesting. The funny thing is, he's happy to sleep by himself as long as he knows someone will at some point come and sleep next to him, even if it was 4am you eventually went to sleep next to him. Anytime, we try to sneakily not do this, he is guaranteed to wake up! It's as if he can read our minds. Well noted. Thanks guys! Angelle > > Hi All, > Can anyone make recommendations for a good brand/make that do weighted blankets? > > I am hoping this will be the solution to Josh sleeping in his bed for the WHOLE night and not running into ours halfway through the night - he still seeks human contact to give him some sort of assurance even when he's asleep. > > I am hoping the weighted blanket will do the trick. > > > Many thanks, > Angelle > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 maybe try,a night shirt of urs next to his pillow aswell,so he can still smell his mum or dad is close..it did work for little while with my one. Kind Regards.. Parveen Waris From: hopeformybaby <angelleakwaboah@...>Subject: Re: Weighted BlanketsAutism Treatment Date: Tuesday, 9 June, 2009, 9:31 PM Oh really? That's interesting. The funny thing is, he's happy to sleep by himself as long as he knows someone will at some point come and sleep next to him, even if it was 4am you eventually went to sleep next to him.Anytime, we try to sneakily not do this, he is guaranteed to wake up! It's as if he can read our minds.Well noted. Thanks guys!Angelle>> Hi All,> Can anyone make recommendations for a good brand/make that do weighted blankets?> > I am hoping this will be the solution to Josh sleeping in his bed for the WHOLE night and not running into ours halfway through the night - he still seeks human contact to give him some sort of assurance even when he's asleep.> > I am hoping the weighted blanket will do the trick.> > > Many thanks,> Angelle> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2010 Report Share Posted June 30, 2010 On 30 June 2010 09:30, Darla <rexel4@...> wrote: Going to buy a weighted blanket for - just wondering if anyone had any recommendations of suppliers or favourite blankets? I have found some that look pretty good but would prefer some advice/recommendations if possible. Thanks,Darla i got mine from an ebay seller weight2go. Its got yellow dolphins on a navy blue background, but i havent washed it yet so couldnt tell you how hardwearing it is. i feel very relaxed under it and i find i dont bump into things and feel more on terra firma when i wake. -- is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2010 Report Share Posted June 30, 2010 Dear Darla, The local NHS OT wrote this about weighted blankets (edited by me): " A weighted blanket can be incorporated into the child¡¦s daily sensory diet for approx 20 minutes at 90/120minutes intervals by using as a wrap around the shoulders and body. Alternatively it can be used during the night on the bed under close supervision if it is appropriate weight wise. Blankets to aid sleeping should cover the whole body and as a general rule: „X The weight of the blanket must be in proportion to the child¡¦s physique and weight. 10% of body weight plus 1lb (0.5 kg) is recommended, but this is very individual. „X The child¡¦s head must never be covered by the blanket „X The child must be able to easily slip out of the blanket if he or she wishes to do so. „X The child should never be wrapped tightly in the blanket or restrained. Theory Weighted blankets, lap pads and shoulder wraparounds provide deep pressure and controlled weight distribution. They work on a principle of providing proprioceptive input. A large weighted blanket can aid a restful night's sleep as the weight provides the necessary feedback for the brain to know where the body is in relation to the bed. Hence a more " secure feeling " and a calmer state of mind. The principle is much the same as swaddling a baby to help comfort and aid sleep. You should be aware that this is still very much a theory and while there is a lot of anecdotal evidence of the benefits there is little evidenced based research to support it. Useful websites: http://www.weight2goblankets.co.uk/ - provides blankets and information http://www.weighted-blankets.co.uk/ - provides blankets and information http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?a=3766 & d=1070 - National Autistic society ¡V ¡¥The Sensory World of the Autistic Spectrum¡¦ " I have one in the cupboard at home sent to me by another ABE member: it has sections. like a duvet, with heavy beads in it. If you follow the formula above, it is much too heavy for Henry and would be suitable for a small adult. The blanket the NHS OT lent us was not sectioned but the weighted material was in the forma of an even sheet. I am not convinced either was any help to Henry and he really didn't like the very heavy one. I would send it on to someone but the postage would be very expensive, I think. Margaret > > Going to buy a weighted blanket for - just wondering if anyone had any > recommendations of suppliers or favourite blankets? I have found some that > look pretty good but would prefer some advice/recommendations if possible. > Thanks, > Darla > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2010 Report Share Posted June 30, 2010 Thanks, Margaret, I've never bought one because as you say, the evidence is anecdotal and I've always been overly sceptical about just about everything ASD related. However, is now consistently piling all the (very heavy) sofa cushions on top of himself and relaxing and also, he is asking that we pile large piles of blankets on top of him. When he sits next to us to do an activity that requires concentration if we put our arm around him and give him pressure, he visibly relaxes and his concentration is dramatically improved. Likewise, when he visits the theatre or cinema, unless I am squeezing him, he is upside down, backwards and all over the place in his seat, as soon as he has some heavy proprioceptive input, the change is dramatic, and he enjoys the film or entertainment (but it makes it desperately uncomfortable for me as I'm squeezing him for a couple of hours!) At the least a weighted blanket would stop him from dismantling the sofas every day! I am going to try a compression garment as well for him, it's the same thing when he is writing, he's flopping around unless he has some heavy proprioceptive input. I'm sceptical but given our experience with him (over about 6 months) we think it is worth trying. I guess the blanket that you have would be probably be too heavy for ? He's a very big 6 year old. I'm sure my husband wouldn't mind collecting it one day if it's suitable and on offer - they are quite expensive! Thanks for the links and info, will have a look now.Darla On 30 June 2010 10:10, Margaret <m.collins9@...> wrote: Dear Darla, The local NHS OT wrote this about weighted blankets (edited by me): " A weighted blanket can be incorporated into the child¡¦s daily sensory diet for approx 20 minutes at 90/120minutes intervals by using as a wrap around the shoulders and body. Alternatively it can be used during the night on the bed under close supervision if it is appropriate weight wise. Blankets to aid sleeping should cover the whole body and as a general rule: „X The weight of the blanket must be in proportion to the child¡¦s physique and weight. 10% of body weight plus 1lb (0.5 kg) is recommended, but this is very individual. „X The child¡¦s head must never be covered by the blanket „X The child must be able to easily slip out of the blanket if he or she wishes to do so. „X The child should never be wrapped tightly in the blanket or restrained. Theory Weighted blankets, lap pads and shoulder wraparounds provide deep pressure and controlled weight distribution. They work on a principle of providing proprioceptive input. A large weighted blanket can aid a restful night's sleep as the weight provides the necessary feedback for the brain to know where the body is in relation to the bed. Hence a more " secure feeling " and a calmer state of mind. The principle is much the same as swaddling a baby to help comfort and aid sleep. You should be aware that this is still very much a theory and while there is a lot of anecdotal evidence of the benefits there is little evidenced based research to support it. Useful websites: http://www.weight2goblankets.co.uk/ - provides blankets and information http://www.weighted-blankets.co.uk/ - provides blankets and information http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?a=3766 & d=1070 - National Autistic society ¡V ¡¥The Sensory World of the Autistic Spectrum¡¦ " I have one in the cupboard at home sent to me by another ABE member: it has sections. like a duvet, with heavy beads in it. If you follow the formula above, it is much too heavy for Henry and would be suitable for a small adult. The blanket the NHS OT lent us was not sectioned but the weighted material was in the forma of an even sheet. I am not convinced either was any help to Henry and he really didn't like the very heavy one. I would send it on to someone but the postage would be very expensive, I think. Margaret > > Going to buy a weighted blanket for - just wondering if anyone had any > recommendations of suppliers or favourite blankets? I have found some that > look pretty good but would prefer some advice/recommendations if possible. > Thanks, > Darla > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2010 Report Share Posted June 30, 2010 Thanks, Margaret, I've never bought one because as you say, the evidence is anecdotal and I've always been overly sceptical about just about everything ASD related. However, is now consistently piling all the (very heavy) sofa cushions on top of himself and relaxing and also, he is asking that we pile large piles of blankets on top of him. When he sits next to us to do an activity that requires concentration if we put our arm around him and give him pressure, he visibly relaxes and his concentration is dramatically improved. Likewise, when he visits the theatre or cinema, unless I am squeezing him, he is upside down, backwards and all over the place in his seat, as soon as he has some heavy proprioceptive input, the change is dramatic, and he enjoys the film or entertainment (but it makes it desperately uncomfortable for me as I'm squeezing him for a couple of hours!) At the least a weighted blanket would stop him from dismantling the sofas every day! I am going to try a compression garment as well for him, it's the same thing when he is writing, he's flopping around unless he has some heavy proprioceptive input. I'm sceptical but given our experience with him (over about 6 months) we think it is worth trying. I guess the blanket that you have would be probably be too heavy for ? He's a very big 6 year old. I'm sure my husband wouldn't mind collecting it one day if it's suitable and on offer - they are quite expensive! Thanks for the links and info, will have a look now.Darla On 30 June 2010 10:10, Margaret <m.collins9@...> wrote: Dear Darla, The local NHS OT wrote this about weighted blankets (edited by me): " A weighted blanket can be incorporated into the child¡¦s daily sensory diet for approx 20 minutes at 90/120minutes intervals by using as a wrap around the shoulders and body. Alternatively it can be used during the night on the bed under close supervision if it is appropriate weight wise. Blankets to aid sleeping should cover the whole body and as a general rule: „X The weight of the blanket must be in proportion to the child¡¦s physique and weight. 10% of body weight plus 1lb (0.5 kg) is recommended, but this is very individual. „X The child¡¦s head must never be covered by the blanket „X The child must be able to easily slip out of the blanket if he or she wishes to do so. „X The child should never be wrapped tightly in the blanket or restrained. Theory Weighted blankets, lap pads and shoulder wraparounds provide deep pressure and controlled weight distribution. They work on a principle of providing proprioceptive input. A large weighted blanket can aid a restful night's sleep as the weight provides the necessary feedback for the brain to know where the body is in relation to the bed. Hence a more " secure feeling " and a calmer state of mind. The principle is much the same as swaddling a baby to help comfort and aid sleep. You should be aware that this is still very much a theory and while there is a lot of anecdotal evidence of the benefits there is little evidenced based research to support it. Useful websites: http://www.weight2goblankets.co.uk/ - provides blankets and information http://www.weighted-blankets.co.uk/ - provides blankets and information http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?a=3766 & d=1070 - National Autistic society ¡V ¡¥The Sensory World of the Autistic Spectrum¡¦ " I have one in the cupboard at home sent to me by another ABE member: it has sections. like a duvet, with heavy beads in it. If you follow the formula above, it is much too heavy for Henry and would be suitable for a small adult. The blanket the NHS OT lent us was not sectioned but the weighted material was in the forma of an even sheet. I am not convinced either was any help to Henry and he really didn't like the very heavy one. I would send it on to someone but the postage would be very expensive, I think. Margaret > > Going to buy a weighted blanket for - just wondering if anyone had any > recommendations of suppliers or favourite blankets? I have found some that > look pretty good but would prefer some advice/recommendations if possible. > Thanks, > Darla > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2010 Report Share Posted June 30, 2010 I just weighed the blanket: it weighs about 14lbs, which means it would be suitable for someone weighing about 9 1/2 stone, according to the formula for sleeping using one. It is small, however, about 4' x 3'4 " , so it weighs quite heavily wherever you place it. Henry would always kick it off if you placed it on the bed when he was lying down. Postage might be about £12 with Royal Mail. Margaret > > > > > > Going to buy a weighted blanket for - just wondering if anyone had > > any > > > recommendations of suppliers or favourite blankets? I have found some > > that > > > look pretty good but would prefer some advice/recommendations if > > possible. > > > Thanks, > > > Darla > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2010 Report Share Posted June 30, 2010 I just weighed the blanket: it weighs about 14lbs, which means it would be suitable for someone weighing about 9 1/2 stone, according to the formula for sleeping using one. It is small, however, about 4' x 3'4 " , so it weighs quite heavily wherever you place it. Henry would always kick it off if you placed it on the bed when he was lying down. Postage might be about £12 with Royal Mail. Margaret > > > > > > Going to buy a weighted blanket for - just wondering if anyone had > > any > > > recommendations of suppliers or favourite blankets? I have found some > > that > > > look pretty good but would prefer some advice/recommendations if > > possible. > > > Thanks, > > > Darla > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2010 Report Share Posted June 30, 2010 We have two of the heavy Weight2Go too. They're difficult to wash because they're so heavy - too heavy for domestic washing machines and the local laundry refused to do them because they were worried the blankets might split and cover the laundry in little plastic balls, not that there's any sign of them splitting. So it's been hand washing in the bath, which really builds your muscles up!! The other problem is that ds wants to sleep under one (or two, given the chance) all the time, even in this very hot weather, which leaves him bathed in sweat in the morning. We're looking for an answer to that one. Any ideas?? Patience > > > > > > > > Going to buy a weighted blanket for - just wondering if anyone had > > > any > > > > recommendations of suppliers or favourite blankets? I have found some > > > that > > > > look pretty good but would prefer some advice/recommendations if > > > possible. > > > > Thanks, > > > > Darla > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 30, 2010 Report Share Posted June 30, 2010 We have two of the heavy Weight2Go too. They're difficult to wash because they're so heavy - too heavy for domestic washing machines and the local laundry refused to do them because they were worried the blankets might split and cover the laundry in little plastic balls, not that there's any sign of them splitting. So it's been hand washing in the bath, which really builds your muscles up!! The other problem is that ds wants to sleep under one (or two, given the chance) all the time, even in this very hot weather, which leaves him bathed in sweat in the morning. We're looking for an answer to that one. Any ideas?? Patience > > > > > > > > Going to buy a weighted blanket for - just wondering if anyone had > > > any > > > > recommendations of suppliers or favourite blankets? I have found some > > > that > > > > look pretty good but would prefer some advice/recommendations if > > > possible. > > > > Thanks, > > > > Darla > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2010 Report Share Posted July 3, 2010 On 30 June 2010 11:52, JULIE GRIFFITHS <moppett1@...> wrote: > I've always wondered about this need for weighted blankets..... > > My daughter used to push her head against the floor, furniture, my chest > because I guess it gave her relief from something. i think she was testing her proprioceptive abilities which have been weakened to get some release. Weighted blankets improve body awareness so her co ordination could improve, she might walk better, also appear generally less physically clumsy. > It makes me think about how we handle pain. For example, when we have pain, the immediate > reaction is to hold the area really tightly. Take tooth pain.... we > instinctively hold that area of the jaw...banging the foot against a > hard object....holding the foot tightly, tummy pain, you exert pressure > on the the area. When you put a lot of pressure, the pain is less perceived. That does make sense so maybe pain and proprioception is improved. > > I wonder if this has to do with calcium receptors in the area. Maybe > they are firing too much??? Just as we instinctively exert pressure on > an area of pain, maybe weighted blankets dampen down the over-firing and > could be a solution not to pain but just to over-sensitivity? unsure but ive got fibromyalgia clouding my pain receptors ;-) as well as aspergers. > > I had chronic pain for over a year and all I could think of was to jab > my fingers as deeply as possible into the area. It helped a LOT. My > calcium metabolism was upside down at the time and so was my parathyroid > (one of the main regulators of calcium). i will let you know how i think about this once ive been back on cal/vit d/ mag for sometime. > > Sue , if you have a moment, do you have any ideas or comments? I know > you have a deep interest in calcium metabolism:-)) -- is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 10, 2010 Report Share Posted August 10, 2010 Tracey, I have been using one with my son for a few months now. It does seem to help him get to sleep faster but it doesn't help him sleep any longer. He still sleeps the same 7 or 8 hours. The main thing it seems to help with is to calm him down and help him relax. Good luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2010 Report Share Posted August 17, 2010 Yes, a weighted blanket helped my son sleep. Why not give it a try? My son was already piling lots of extra blankets and stuffed animals on the bed anyway. And during the day, he liked to wear layers of clothes -a shirt plus a vest or jacket. He wasn't cold - just found the extra weight comforting. I made my son's blanket to keep the cost down. I used small plastic pellets to stuff the blanket so it was machine washable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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