How to Use a Weighted Blanket to Assist a Child to Calm

The use of weighted blankets to calm anxiety in people of all ages owes its origins to Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned behavioral scientist afflicted with a developmental disorder called autism. She found that the "squeeze machine" she designed in the early 1980s eased her panic attacks, loss of self-control and aversion to being hugged, all symptoms of the disorder. The therapeutic "deep pressure touch" effects of weighted blankets quickly gained popularity as a tool for treating autism and from there moved into the public domain. Today, they are widely used to help settle high-energy children and promote sleep.

Things You'll Need

• A weighted blanket

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Instructions

The "Security" Blanket Redefined

• 1

  Seek professional advice from your family doctor or pediatrician if your child is exhibiting unusual sleep or behavioral problems. You may be advised to have the child tested for several disorders that cause these symptoms. Ask about using a weighted blanket to help ease the problem.

• 2

  Find out how much the blanket should weigh, which will vary according to the size and weight of your child. Commercially available blankets have pockets that may contain sand, beans, fabric or modeling clay. They usually weigh 20-30 pounds, but most are adjustable. If you prefer to make one yourself, instructions can be found on the Internet.

• 3

  Give the blanket time to start helping. If your child isn't sleeping well, fatigue may be contributing to other behavioral problems at home and at school. Allow him to get used to having the blanket over or around him before expecting to see improvements.

• 4

  Recognize the early warning signs that your child is starting to lose control and take positive action before that happens. Speak slowly, softly and reassuringly and keep your movements calm. At home, let your child lie down in a private area under low light with a weighted blanket and a pillow until the anxiety passes.

• 5

  Keep in close touch with your child's teachers and the school's occupational therapist to find out about any changes in behavior or focus on tasks and learning.

• 6

  Help your child settle down at least 30 minutes before bedtime. No television, computer games or other stimulating activities should be allowed. A bedtime story read in a quiet voice while the child is nestled under the weighted blanket will help lull her to sleep.