Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Sensory Weighted Vests And Weighted Clothing For Children

Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.

Sensory Weighted Vests And Weighted Clothing For Children

Jeanette Loftus

Weighted vests are vests that have weights sewn into them or weights that you can add or take out of pockets. The weight in a sensory weighted vest is usually around 2-5% of the child's body weight.

The weight in a weighted vest is evenly distributed throughout the sensory vest and gives a child the deep pressure and proprioceptive input they crave. These vests are calming and can organize a child's sensory system.

Weighted vests can help children with sensory differences regulate their sensory system all throughout the day. The deep pressure and proprioceptive input are calming on a child's nervous system.

When a child wears a weighted sensory vest it can help reduce their sensory seeking behavior, sensitivity, help a child focus and allow them to participate in activities without being overwhelmed by sensory input.

Many children with sensory processing disorder struggle with regulating their emotions and have sensory meltdowns. A weighted vest can help a child regulate their emotions and can also help them to their reduce sensory meltdowns. Wearing a sensory weighted vest can be a tool for self-regulation. A child can put on the vest when they feel overwhelmed or they need some extra sensory input.

Weighted vests can improve body awareness and also improve their coordination too. The weight in the weighted vest can help a child understand where their body is in space better and this will help improve their coordination and gross motor skills. This can be beneficial for children with sensory differences because they struggle with gross motor skills and coordination too.

When you purchase a weighted vest for your child, it is very important to remember the weight and the size that is appropriate for the child. The weight should be a percentage of the child's body weight and should be evenly distributed throughout the vest.

Your child's occupational therapist would be able to tell you which size you should buy for your child. The vest should also fit snug but it shouldn't be too tight or restrictive either. It is very important to consult with an occupational therapist or other healthcare professional to determine the appropriate weight and fit for each child.

Weighted vests can be very beneficial for children who struggle with sensory differences like autism, sensory processing disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Weighted vests for children have a lot of benefits because they can help regulate your child's sensory system, improve emotional regulation, improve body awareness and coordination too.

It is important to use a weighted vest as part of a sensory diet plan that is created by your child's occupational therapist and monitored by a healthcare professional only. Always consult with an occupational therapist. When a weighted vest is used properly and under the guidance of an occupational therapist, weighted vests can be a great sensory tool for children who have sensory processing disorder.