Little monkey was a classic sensory seeker. He craved deep pressure and had difficulty self-regulating. By providing appropriate sensory feedback, we helped him find a sense of calm, particularly during sleep.

This is part of an ongoing series about sensory strategies we’ve been using with our foster son “Little Monkey,” who had autism.

There was one point that his behaviors were so dysregulated that we were willing to try anything. Our mindset was “If it can’t hurt, we will try it” because we were desperate.

His occupational therapist suggested trying a weighted blanket and compression sheets. At the time, neither weighted blankets nor compression sheets were not as widely available or affordable on Amazon as they are now. I managed to find someone local who made custom weighted blankets, which was a blessing. I made the compression sheet myself. By the time we were once again in the market for another weighted blanket for another foster child we were able to turn to Amazon.

Weighted Blanket Success

We experienced some significant improvements after implementing a wide variety of sensory strategies.

Was the weighted blanket?

The compression sheets?

I don’t know! It could have been any of the dozens of small strategies we were employing throughout the day. It was encouraging though, so we kept researching and shopping experimenting.

The Science of Snuggles: Proprioceptive Input

Blanche et al. (2012) research shows that proprioceptive difficulties and autism go hand in hand. In their study the key finding was that children with autism demonstrated distinct patterns of proprioceptive difficulties compared to both other groups.

Proprioceptive difficulties can be addressed through a wide variety of activities including weighted blankets. It works because the blankets are providing deep pressure, which delivers proprioceptive input to the sensory system. This input helps the child self-regulate, promoting a sense of calm and security. As Mountain of Sleep explains,

“That sensation in the body can tell the brain you are safe and secure. For many people, proprioceptive input will invite the brain to move from a more stressed sympathetic state to a calmer more parasympathetic response.”

Mountain of Sleep

Think of it like the sensation of wearing a lead vest at the dentist. For some children, the immediate calming effect is noticeable. As the Mountain of Sleep article states,

“When you ask them how it feels in their body, they will often describe how it helps their body feel ‘good’ in some way. Often when using sensory tools, you will see immediate changes in the body, either positive or negative. This is very helpful when investigating what tool might be helpful for you child!”

Mountain of Sleep

Finding the Right Fit

When considering a weighted blanket, weight is a crucial factor. The Sleep Foundation recommends that

“As a rule of thumb, the weight of a weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight. Of course, the ideal weighted blanket weight depends on what feels right to you. Preferred weights can vary between 5% and 12% of the sleeper’s weight. Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for children aged 3 years and older who weigh at least 50 pounds.”

The Sleep Foundation

It’s always best to consult with a physician or occupational therapist for personalized recommendation

Tips and Lessons Learned

• Weight Matters: Follow the 10% rule as a general guideline, but consult with a professional for personalized recommendations.
• DIY vs. Purchased: While DIY tutorials exist, making a weighted blanket can be challenging. Buying one from a local maker or online (like Amazon) might be more practical.
• Observe and Adjust: Pay close attention to your child’s response to the blanket and adjust the weight or usage as needed.
• Professional Guidance: Always consult with an occupational therapist for expert advice on sensory strategies.

Sharing Sensory Successes

Weighted blankets and compression sheets can be powerful tools for promoting sensory regulation. Have you had success with these tools? What are your tips and experiences? Let’s share our knowledge and support each other.

References

Ashley Fricker and Allison Miron. “Weighted Blankets and Sleep — Infant and Child Sleep Consultant.” mountains of sleep, Accessed by Mar 23, 2025, https://www.mountainsofsleep.com/blog/part-2-the-scoop-on-weighted-blankets-amp-compression-sheets.

Blanche, E. I., Reinoso, G., Chang, M. C., & Bodison, S. (2012). Proprioceptive processing difficulties among children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. The American journal of occupational therapy:official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 66(5), 621-624. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2012.004234.

Sleep Foundation. “Weighted Blanket Weight Chart.” Accessed by Mar 23, 2025. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-weighted-blankets/weighted-blanket-weight-chart.

Read About Our Bedtime Routine Below