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My son
James started wearing a weighted vest when he was two. The commercial
vests and that fashioned out of necessity worked but seemed uncomfortable
and drew attention to the fact that he was different. To respect
and help preserve his dignity, I began to make his weighted vest
to look like regular clothing. My design soon grew into a business
that has helped occupational therapists provide this option for
parents and their patients. My unique way of making weights from
a non-toxic, non-drying modeling clay is key to the In Your PocketTM
Weighted Vest. This method of making weights is inexpensive, will
cover more of the body surface area, will not shift in the vest
and provides a comfortable surface for playing or sitting. As the
child wears the vest, the clay warms and slightly contours to the
body giving additional tactile pressure. The In Your PocketTM
Vest was designed using body dynamics and are shorter than most
vests. This allows for the weights to be placed at the center
of gravity (PDF link), which helps with balance and posturing. Over the
last four years I have learned from other parents and occupational
therapists the many ways to use the weighted vest. The following
information is not based on fact but anecdotal information and personal
observation gathered over the years.
1. The vest is best used to modify or change a behavior
such
as running, rocking, seeking out deep pressure, inattention, body
parameter issues etc.
2. Always start with the least amount of weight possible usually
no more than a pound.
That may be all a child needs depending on the reason for use. In
addition, therapists have told me that the In Your PocketTM
vest style and way the weights are made and where they are placed,
may also decrease the need for additional weight.
3. Always introduce the vest as a part of play or as a part of an
activity.
Such as a special vest for circle time, as the child gets dressed
in the morning or going to the grocery store. This makes the vest
a normal part of the day and not a punishment for a behavior that
might be giving them comfort or uncontrolled over stimulation in
their environment.
4. Time limitations don't matter.
Most vests are recommended for behaviors. My son wore his all day
the first few months to help him learn body awareness. Now we use
it during situations that we know will cause him stress or where
he is overly hyper such as during circle time at school and as a
feedback method when he is doing inappropriate behaviors. Sometimes
just the asking "do you need your vest?" will be enough for him
to self-calm. My thoughts are that the vest has taught his nervous
system to produce the chemicals that were lacking and may be
helping a stimulus-response system occurrence and the vest is acting
as a behavior modification tool.
5. Remember this is a non-invasive therapeutic opportunity.
Weighted vest research is in its infancy. Parents and therapists
should try using the vest in many situations to determine what will
and won't work for each individual child. If your child is diagnosed
with Autism, ADD, ADHD, or Hyperactivity, it's worth researching.
Barbara
Dudley, MSN, RN
In Your PocketTM
www.weightedvest.com
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