Can Weight Vests Help Children with Autism?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations.

The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted to severely challenged. ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls.*

Some studies have shown that children with ASDs exhibit associated motor problems – such as poor muscle tone, poor motor planning, and toe walking. They can also have difficulty focusing and concentrating, are easily distracted and often hyperactive.

Some people believe that children with ASDs can benefit from the use of a weighted vest. They believe the product calms children with sensory processing difficulties. Weight vests may produce an increase in attention to task and a decrease in repetitive self-harming behaviors, such as head banging. Intervention with a therapeutic weighted vest might also increase body awareness and prove beneficial for certain types of physical activity, such as running and jumping.

Active By Choice offers a variety of weight products for children, including high-quality weight vests:

http://www.activebychoice.com/childrens-weights.aspx

We invite you to post your thoughts on the effectiveness of weight products for children with ASDs.

*Source: CDC
Note: Active By Choice seeks to inform our customers on the latest research and trends for fitness products. We don’t provide medical advice or recommend our products for specific medical conditions. We suggest you discuss the information we provide, and the use of our products, with your physician.