Reinforcement, how do you use it effectively? When children use a deep pressure vest, weighted lap cushion or weighted cuddly toy, it can contribute to reducing tension.

Weighting, how do you use it effectively

So many problems, so many choices, so many decisions… Parents of special children will feel overwhelmed so often! In this article, I will answer a number of questions about weighted products.

What weighted tools are available for children to provide proprioceptive sensory input? What do weighted products help for and how do I use them?

What is the effect of weighting or deep pressure?

When children use a deep pressure vest, weighted lap cushion or weighted cuddly toy, it can contribute to reducing tension, it gives a sense of calm and tranquility. It can support the regulation of sensory stimuli and can also be used to improve concentration. Increasing the burden can then help to work on a task in a more task-oriented and longer way and to stay put.

Weighted products can also help to reduce stimming
such as making repetitive sounds (words, humming) and movements
(rocking, clapping). Weighted products provide deep touch / deep pressure. Which has a calming effect on the nervous system. Compare it to receiving a firm hug.

[Read more about deep pressure and relaxation here]

For whom is aggravation suitable?

  • Children and adults with problems in stimulus processing, whether it is associated with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, ADD, intellectual disability or another disability. They all benefit from deep pressure on the body, either through pressure on the shoulders or while sitting on the lap, or pressure on the whole body in the supine position or prone position such as while sleeping.
  • Individuals who exhibit behaviors, such as repeatedly jumping into walls, bumping into walls, pushing against things, and banging their heads against things, can all be signs of seeking deep pressure. In extreme cases, children jump off dressers or other high places to experience the pressure through their feet.
  • Some people who sleep restlessly or experience insomnia will also try to get deep pressure and achieve relaxation by piling blankets on themselves. They will also benefit from an increase.

How do you use weighted products?

The weight and wearing time of weighted products will differ for each child. Some children benefit from using a pressure vest throughout the day. And other children use the weighting at moments of tension such as transitional moments or at set times when they feel less comfortable. Some children themselves have a good sense of where and when they need weighting. With a pressure vest, children can also easily inflate the vest a little or deflate it a little as desired.

But most children need a schedule when they first start using weighting products.

Please take the following criteria into account:

  • Use the least amount of weight needed to produce the desired results. So start with not too much weight and see what the effect is.
  • Weighted products should not weigh more than 5-10% of the child’s body weight for a child. Also use a lower weight when you want to apply the weighting around the neck and more weight when weighting is applied as a vest.
  • When you start with a schedule for wearing a weighted or deep pressure vest. Then use it as briefly as possible at a time to measure desired results. Generally, you offer weighting for 30-60 minutes during an activity. Then make sure you have at least an hour of free time between wearing. Try not to remove the pressure vest or weighted pillow during the activity (have the child complete the activity before removing the weight)

When is it best to use aggravation?

  • Start of the day
  • After the break
  • During “special occasions” (music lessons, performance or sports day)
  • While writing in class
  • During reading activities
  • While doing homework
  • Before going to sleep. (or in bed)
  • During stressful activities (doctor’s appointment, party, busy shopping street)

What weighted products are there?

Also recommended is the Cuddle Ball.

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Applying an increase in the burden on your child. How do you use weighting products effectively? Read it in this article
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