We've been hearing good things about weighted blankets, which are often used to promote relaxation for children and adults with Autism. It's a tip that has come up on our Forum, with different kinds of blankets being used. This website gives an idea of the theory behind the products.

Research into weighted blankets by the University of Southern Denmark has shown that they reduce the time taken to fall asleep by almost 40%, with the children only taking 15 minutes on average to drop off. The study also showed that a child’s tendency to wake up during the night was reduced to match the level of children who did not have ADHD. The behaviour of children at school was also studied revealing those who had slept with the blanket were able to concentrate better and were able to cope more with school activities; with a 10% improvement in both hyperactivity and concentration levels.

Type of Blanket Available

There are various types of blankets available - one example is a blanket that offers an even distribution of weight, stocked by Rompa. Another type contains silent plastic balls to "help stimulate a sense of calm and feelings of safety." 

We're told that an 11-year old boy from Preston, who has ADHD and Tourette syndrome (TS) has found that he can now settle easier at night thanks this type of blanket. Like many children with ADHD, Harrison Stanley was unable to sleep or even stay in his own bed at night; a problem which caused stress and prolonged tiredness for the whole family. 

To help combat the problem Harrison’s family were introduced to the Protac Ball Blanket by their occupational therapist.

The blanket offers children with autism, ADHD or sensory issues the stimulation and body awareness they crave and for Harrison, it has meant he can now fall to sleep quicker and more peacefully at night.

Speaking about the blanket mum Lorraine, said:

“Despite going to bed at 7pm every night, Harrison would still be up at midnight hanging from the banisters and running into his brother’s bedroom. This disturbed the whole family and had a knock on effect at school the next day.

“Bedtime with the blanket however is a completely different experience and the results were amazing almost instantly. Harrison is so much more settled and calmer and now he asks to go to bed at night rather than it being a battle. The blanket has totally transformed his life and we even take it with us when we go on holiday.” 

Lisa McSprit, a Sensory Integration Occupational Therapist, added:

“I have taken the blankets into special schools and witnessed first hand improvements in calming with children of various ages who have sensory difficulties. It really enhances the work I do and in a short time has a dramatic effect on children’s lives, as well as the lives of their whole family.  The blanket offers extra input to a child’s sensory system and helps them to feel calmer and happier, as well as having a knock on effect on their sleep patterns, emotions, behaviour and concentration levels.”

The Protac Ball Blanket is available to buy or loan from Sheffield based Kingkraft (telephone 0114 2690697 or visit www.kingkraft.co.uk).

We realise these blankets are a big investment and so would like to be able to share testimonies. If you have tried a weighted blanket, or decide to loan a blanket, we'd really like to hear your comments. Please contact us to let us know whether or not you found it to be helpful and we'll share your feedback here.