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The concept of weighted garment therapy is based on the Sensory Integration therapy technique of deep pressure. Deep pressure is often used to assist a child to learn to self-calm and relax so that sensory stimuli can be processed. The use of a weighted item provides the child with unconscious information from the muscles and joints.Children who are easily distracted, hyperactive, hypoactive or lacking in concentration can respond positively to the additional weight a weighted item provides. |
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Although there is limited research in the area of weighted garment therapy, many therapists have found the weighted vest may assist with reflex maturity, body position awareness and coordination, balance, eye/hand coordination, spatial perception and hearing and speaking skills. Because of these anecdotal outcomes, many therapists working with children are recommending the use of a weighted vest and other weighted therapy. |
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 EDUCATION |
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| WEIGH ME DOWN AND HOLD ME TIGHT! The question is... do I need weight or pressure for my child? The answer is... it depends. We all respond differently to touch and pressure. Some of us like strong hugs, others don't. Some of us sleep weighted down with covers, others prefer nothing. Very often children with Autism, Sensory Integration Disorder, ADHD, and other neurological challenges respond well to either weight or pressure. The theory is that for reasons beyond the scope of this discussion, their nervous systems do not perceive and understand proprioception (perception mediated by nerve endings concerning movement and position). It is as if the nervous system does not understand what is happening in the rest of the body. It continually sends messages saying, "Hey, what's going on?" and in response the body moves saying, "We're okay". We often see children who are constantly on the move, but not understanding their movement when additional weight or pressure is applied, the brain gets a clear understanding of what is going on and the child is thus able to concentrate on more important tasks such as writing, reading, eating, etc. whereas some children need the pressure applied for long periods of time (a pressure vest), others may do well with interval pressure (a weighted vest, being squashed inside a mat... with supervision of course). It all depends on the child. Used in combination with behavioral modification and other therapies, a weight or pressure product is highly beneficial. - Ilana M. Danneman, Mom, PT; Cecilia Cruise, MS, OTR/L |
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In Your Pocket by Abilitations Customer Service 1-800-850-8602 l Fax 1-800-845-1513 HOME l ABOUT PLAYWEIGHTS l FEATURES l SIZING CHART l ORDER l THE DESIGNER l CONTACT US l FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS l HOW TO USE PLAYWEIGHTS IN REALITY l WHY USE A WEIGHTED GARMENT? l RECOMMENDED MATERIAL All Children do not have the same sensory integration needs. Weighted vests should be used under the direction and advice of a healthcare professional or licensed therapist and should be worn while under adult supervision. Copyright 2004-2008. www.playweights.com. All rights reserved. Have you found us by searching weighted vest autism or occupational therapy? We offer professionally manufactured weighted vests. Compare our weighted vest to other weighted vest companies. |