TTMA weighted blankets

[pghtruelove]

I've used one for years for ADHD and RLS. It really does help! Totally worth the money. According to my sister, they aren't very hard to make if you're crafty(I'm not).

[beersandweirs]

I don't know too much about them, but I do know a facebook friend recently made one, so it is do-able, but I'm not sure how much skill it takes.

[islandgirl14]

I've never even heard of this and had to google... what an interesting concept! @jemomma, can I ask why you are considering one for DD1?

Our DS1 is super high energy and always has trouble falling asleep at night.. I wonder if this would help him?

I also wonder what the appropriate weight would even be?

So interesting...

[jessila]

I've also had them used for specific students. Some of these students started with a weighted backpack to help 'ground' them. As budders said, they were students that responded to pressure to help calm them.
Some of my current students have the backpack now. One wears it on their back during transitions and another wears it on their front when they become agitated.
Paging gilder40 for more insight if possible?

[veggiemo]

Jun 15, 2016 13:17:53 GMT -5 @jemomma said:

Jun 15, 2016 12:31:02 GMT -5 budders said:

We use them at school for certain students. If she is someone who needs pressure in order to calm, or if she finds that pressure soothing even when she is not in a heightened state, it could be a really good strategy to start with. I think they're fairly expensive but you could probably fashion your own by sewing.

We often hold her tight in order to calm her down during a tantrum. It works sometimes but not always depending on the severity of the tantrum. Thank you for all the info, it's extremely helpful

I was going to say, our pedi suggested we try this with DS1. Wrapping him with a blanket or large towel and holding him tight to calm him and diffuse aggression. It only seemed to make him more upset, so I decided it wasn't going to work for us.

[ashbash]

To echo the other ladies its child dependent but it sounds like she likes pressure so it could be great for her. If you know anyone who has one or can reach out to a local support group that you could get one lent to you.

Ive seen them most effective during times of high stimulation or being overwhelmed.

A thought for transitions Ive had a lot of children do well with a picture schedule. Its really helps them to have a visual of whats coming and helps to relieve anxiety surrounding transitions. I can give you examples and more detail if you are interested

[jessila]

The weighted vest would also be a good option if she's having transition issues. Also, a picture schedule would help her anticipate what is coming next so she can prepare herself. This is all I can find in a super quick google search that would be age appropriate.
Daily Schedule

You could also break it down further with a 'First, Then" chart showing what you're doing now and what comes next. It might be a better match since a 3yo (that's her age, right?) don't think super far ahead in terms of schedule.
First, Then

[holliberry28]

@jemomma, to add to what jessila said about the picture schedules, it would be helpful to take pictures of DD1 and your family doing those various activities and everyday routines (bath time, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, etc) and also pictures of her favorite things to show her that she can get that as a reward for finishing or doing something she doesn't want to do. Then just get some Velcro so you can show her what different things will be happening next.

Stick it on something like this:

m.lakeshorelearning.com/h5/pdp?href=%2Fproduct%2FproductDetBySkuCode.jsp?product_code%3DLA998%26f%3Dsli

Also, in my preschool kids wore the weighted vests usually for 30-minute intervals, 2-3 times a day. I didn't see it particularly helpful tbh, but it could be good for some kids who need extra tactile input. Another thought would be to get a bean bag chair and have her kinda roll in it. Something on the larger size like this:
m.target.com/p/fuf-suede-bean-bag-king-big-joe/-/A-49106218?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Furniture%2BShopping&adgroup=Novelty+Chair_SC&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9004331&gclid=CPDxubqdq80CFVclgQodnFwJ1g&gclsrc=aw.ds

[holliberry28]

Sorry if I was repetitive! I totally didn't see michyme123 post.

[jessila]

@jemomma, in addition to using pictures to set a schedule for the day, pictures can be used to help children better identify their feelings. Based on what I recalled about your description of what's going on with your DD, this might help. Have you been able to schedule an evaluation yet?
Paging carolyngrace for more brain picking on this topic?

[carolyngrace]

I'm not sure I have much more to add, but I'm glad you're being proactive and trying some things @jemomma! I don't have much direct experience with weighted blankets. Have just heard they can be very helpful.