Anyone have experience with a weighted vest?

[Bucktown]

My son's speech and occupational therapist are discussing the possibility of fitting my 32 month old with an OT vest (weighted vest). They are used with children who have autism, ADHD and kids with sensory issues. DS attends a developmental group for speech & ot and he has a serious inability to follow tasks appropriate for his age (ie, running circles around the others in group while in circle time).

Are there any therapists or parents whose children have used one of these? It will be covered through our State's E/I program but I had never heard of this type of therapy. Just looking for some input if it was successful or a waste.

[tinkerbelljenny]

We learned about the vest at DH's speech therapist but instead she recommended a weighted blanket instead which was a waste of time since all he did was throw it, jump on it, etc. Also, he can't sit still so why would he sit with a blanket on him? The weight is suppose to calm the child. I can't imagine my DS in a vest, he would have a major fit, he hates any kind of vest or jacket on him but it might work for others. They also tried to put him in this swing which was so funny because he HATED it and the therapist said she never met a child that hated the swing as much as my son.

[fastlayne224]

We had discussed with our therapist the possiblity of a weighted vest, but decided to go with a weighted blanket instead. It is a wonderful thing for my daughter. Hers weighs about 18 pounds and we use it as a calming mechanism during the day if she is over stimulated and at night as she is trying to fall asleep. For her, it has been a very sucessful form of therapy. It has made a huge difference, but on the other hand I have talked to some other mothers that it did nothing for their children. Sorry I haven't really been more helpful!

[Sidsou]

My DS is 30 months old and was just diagnosed with PDD - NOS (a mild form of autism). Anyways, his OT also mentioned the weighted vest or a weighted blanket. We haven't tried either yet, although joint compressions really work wonders with him - have you tried those? I also now do "squeezes" with him basically very secure strong hugs which really soothe him. At first he kind of gave me a look like what are you doing, but then he just totally relaxed and smiled away just like someone was giving you a nice massage/foot rub. It's amazing how much it calms him down and afterwards he can really focus on things around him.

The blanket, I know of a mom that tried that and still uses it for her now 14 yr old daughter. Until using it they had all sorts of sleep issues with her.

I would definitely give the vest a try. If your DS is seeking that sensory input, it truly will make him feel so much better.

[moderngal]

I'm an OT. I'm not working with kids on the spectrum any more, but in my experience, the vests are great. It provides sensory input to help calm the child and promote focus and attention. I've actually used it with adults as well and I've had good results there, too. For some kids it takes a little getting used to, but for others it can be like a light switch. I think they are a very useful tool. If your OT recommends it and it's covered I would go for it.

[honeygirl]

I'm a therapist (clinical social worker) and have had clients that used vests, ankle weights or blankets. They had sensory issues and/or PDD and found them pretty useful. One of the little girls used ankle weights and they helped a lot, but she HATED them (she was 4 at the time).

Another little boy (3) used a vest and it worked wonders. They called it his "superman vest". We even considered buying a weighted vest to use with therapy (as part of a nurture time or with Theraplay), but the cost stopped us.

Best wishes!