What Is The Sensory Blanket? A Solution To Autism? Autistic people have sensory particularities which are at the origin of the behavioral disorders that we observe.
In other words, an autistic person perceives and experiences sensory stimuli differently.
If this specificity does not necessarily cause mental retardation, it is responsible for the numerous cases of insomnia that we record in this person living with this condition.
Faced with this situation, specialists generally recommend that their patients purchase an autism sensory blanket.
According to them, this type of blanket is able to respond to a real need for stimuli or a lack of sleep.
Also read: A Weighted Blanket For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Let’s go.
What Does A Sensory Blanket Do For Children With Autism?
Should we remember that weighted quilts were once used in the medical field to treat children and adults suffering from autism?
Thus, there is a natural predisposition of these blankets to meet the expectations of autistic people.
This predisposition is mainly due to the characteristics of this weighted blanket. Indeed, unlike standard models, the sensory blanket for autistic people is quite heavy.
It weighs between 5 and 25 kg, and this is its greatest asset.
And yet, thickness does not necessarily rhyme with comfort. However, weighted blankets are completely comfortable.
How to explain it?
They are made up of microbeads (glass or plastic) which exert sufficient pressure on the sleeper’s body.
This action of “Deep Touch Pressure” is comparable to a massage, a deep embrace, or a cuddle.
This is what creates this cocooning effect in which he can relax and let go.
For an autistic person, this therefore involves more stimuli daily.
By focusing more on her physical sensations, she can better release pressure and more easily prepare her body and mind for falling asleep.
How To Choose Your Sensory Weighted Blanket For People With Autism?
If the use of an autism sensory blanket is more than suitable for people suffering from autistic disorders, you must make the right choices to enjoy the benefits on a daily basis.
This is not obvious given the diversity of models on sale commercially.
Firstly, you will need to ensure that your coverage corresponds to 10% of your body mass. Next, you have to take into account the origin and color of the cover.
When it comes to weighted blankets, the place of manufacture determines the quality of the blanket.
Therefore, it would be better to opt for “Made in USA” duvets that are very resistant and intended for intensive use, rather than for models made in China which offer no guarantee.
You might think that color is not a very objective criterion here, but autistic people react to everything around them.
Why Do Autistic People Like Blankets?
The weighted blanket provides the child/person with autism with additional proprioceptive information thanks to the pressure exerted on sensory receptors, muscles, joints, and tendons.
It can be used for:
– Reduce hyperactivity.
– Reduce anxiety and promote emotional serenity.
– Allow access to better quality sleep.
– Provide retroactive feedback that calms the nervous system and relaxes the body.
– Allow you to adapt to environmental stimuli.
– Reduce sensory-seeking behaviors.
– Promote concentration before carrying out an activity or task.
– Promote body awareness.
– Feel a sense of security.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about what a sensory blanket can do for autistic, always keep in mind that you might as well choose colors that will not contribute to exacerbating their condition.
In this case, no more warm colors that have exciting properties.
On the contrary, you will need to opt for more sober colors, such as gray, white, or even black, which are effective in calming hyperactivity.
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