Blankets not only provide warmth and comfort, in some cases they may be a healing and supportive salve for some individuals. In fact, deep pressure “weighted” blankets have shown to be highly beneficial to children, teens and adults with special needs.
What is a weighted blanket? It is is a regular style blanket that is filled with round, heavy plastic beads that add weight and pressure.
This style of therapeutic blanket has been shown to be helpful to those on the autistic spectrum, have sensory integration disorder, ADHD and other neurological disorders. These blankets have also been used to help with insomnia and restless sleep.
According to experts, the added weight or pressure provides an individual with unconscious information from their muscles and joints. As a result, they may better integrate sensory information, calm, become more organized and improve their ability to concentrate, learn or eat.
Feedback from blanket users and their caregivers and/or loved ones, have been positive.
Did you know that the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) produces these very kinds of special blankets? The great folks on our Stitching It Up arts and crafts team create custom-designed, beautiful weighted blankets that are for sale to the general public!
Interested in learning more about weighted blankets and how you can purchase one from BEST? Email Kim T. at kimt@brainenergysupportteam.org for details.
