weighted blankets - experiences?

[geekgrrl]

dd2 (she has DS) is nearly 6 yrs old and has been a bad, extremely restless sleeper for 3 years now. We've tried just about everything - various sedatives, sticker charts and a variety of other behavioural non-solutions, done overnight pulse oxymetry monitorings etc., and had a SN behavioural nurse out from the CDC for almost a year, with no effect.
We now see the paediatrician at the hospital about this every 3 months, that's how bad it is.

Yesterday I spoke to her OT about this and she suggested deep pressure and a bit of restraint by tucking in a big sheet tightly under the mattress around dd2.

I think it might have worked

Some of the OTs where I work recommend them, but I doubt if you'd get one from NHS/SS. We've got one in the department, and Im not sure it would be very comfortable to spend a night under. it might be better to carry on with the big sheet and see if it continues to work.

Some kids like to be squashed (good technical term there!) under a big bean bag to calm them down when theyre awake.

Ds likes deep pressure and is constantly wanting people to squeeze his wrists and ankles. He actually jams his feet and hands behind peoples' knees which is very painful so we have been looking at the weighted blankets too. We saw a 'cars' one on ebay that he would probably like. I'm just not sure how practical they would be in the summer. Wouldn't they be very hot? ds's room is tiny and narrow so can be airless as it is. We had to buy him a fan last summer just so he could get to sleep. I haven't wanted to spend all that money on something that we might only be able to use for part of the year, especially as we have very little storage space. I will be watching this thread with interest!

Well....funny enough we have been talking about this today geekgrrl!!! We have been to BIBIC and have seen the OT this morning. Amelia is constantly seeking sensory input, buzzes around from one source to another. It was mentioned about her having a weighted cushion/snakey thing on her lap/around her shoulders etc to help "calm" her down.
Amelia is also a restless sleeper, is constantly falling out of bed, coming into us and telling us her covers are off..we have some really funny photos of her - laying upside down, hanging off bed, under the bed.... And weighted blankets were also discussed. I was going to come home and read "The out of sync child" book I have....but can't find it now!!!

Will watch with interest!!

I know an OT who recommends weighting waistcoats eg in the hems and pockets.

My mum made a weighted blanket for DS2 and he just throws it off the bed! So if anyone wants one they're welcome to have it - I don't want any money for it, but postage would be good. It's not huge - not at home atm but can measure it when we get back (Sat). Has diggers and things on a white background.