As parents or caregivers of kids with autism, meltdowns could be part of your everyday life. It could be frustrating and overwhelming and you yourselves could be stressed out when these happens. Sometimes, you could be hurt or your kid or anybody close to him and this becomes scary. I’m sure you have tried every possible means to pacify him or to stop his outbursts. Have you tried the therapist-tested and recommended weighted blanket for autism meltdown?
Try this Sleeptight weighted blanket and you will realize that it does help.
PRODUCT : Weighted blanket with neck cut out
COLORS : Buckskin, navy, and blue waves
Product Description
Click for prices here
| Size | Weight | Dimensions | Age |
| XS | 5 pounds | 32″ x 36 “ | 3 yrs |
| Small | 8 pounds | 36″ x 42″ | 3 -5 yrs |
| Medium | 12 pounds | 42″ x 54″ | 6-10 yrs |
| Large | 16 pounds | 54″ x 72″ | 11-15 yrs |
| XL | 25 pounds | 58″ x 80″ | 16 yrs & up |
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Before going to the weighted blanket review, let’s talk about these two important topics for clarification.
Meltdown vs Temper Tantrum
Children with autism, be they high functioning or not, usually can either have a meltdown or temper tantrum.
They are two different things.
A temper tantrum occurs when the child is denied something that he wants to have or something that he wants to do. It is a bid for attention or control. You will notice that your kid sneaks an odd glance at you or the caregiver to see if it’s working.
They may hit you, but not hurt himself. They are still in control of what is happening. They will usually stop crying when you give in to what they want. This is not the proper way to react as a parent, of course because they will tend to repeat this time and again.
A meltdown on the other hand, which includes a high functioning autism meltdown, is secondary to overstimulation by things such as light, sound, and touch, also called ” sensory overload.“
Likewise, autistic kids easily get frustrated or anxious with unexpected turn of events, such as when there is change in their routines.
They cannot express how they feel or understand what is happening; they have complete loss of behavioral control, so they scream, destroy property, hurt themselves, become aggressive or become violent to others.
As mentioned earlier, it is sometimes scary and dangerous when this happens. As a parent or caregiver, you need to be calm and approach your child peacefully to dissipate the attack.
Don’t put an added stress to your child by panicking. Give him time to de-stress on his own.
Just be supportive, hug him if he allows you. Give him an assurance that it will just go away.
There are various strategies on how to calm your autistic child during a meltdown. Of course, this can just stop or be resolved at its own pace, without giving in to something.
It’s a storm or an uncontrollable reaction to sensory over stimulation or sudden change in routine, that just needs to blow up and then go away.
Every autistic child is different.
As a parent and caregiver, you need to discover what usually causes the meltdown. It’s a case to case basis. List down what he was doing before a meltdown.
Once you have recognized what usually triggers it, then you can guide him on how to prevent it or walk away from it. This is of course better said than done.
Examples on how to prevent a meltdown includes minimizing noise in his bedroom or playroom or generally in your home. Avoiding loud music is another good strategy.
A Weighted Blanket to Calm a Meltdown
One of the best ways to calm your child during a meltdown is using a weighted blanket.
As the name implies, it is a blanket with some extra weight.
How does it work? A weighted blanket provides a deep touch pressure ( DTP ) or distributed weight across the body.
DTP is equivalent to a hug, a squeeze, or a massage.
DTP releases serotonin in the body, an important chemical that brings about calmness and stable mood. It also decreases nervous system activity.
Thus, putting the child under a weighted blanket during a meltdown will make him calm and relaxed.
Many times the child is so stressed that he does not want you to touch him, so making him slip under a weighted blanket is the next best option.
Therefore, a weighted blanket is highly recommended if you have an autistic child.
How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket be?
First determine your child’s weight. Then find or buy the blanket with an average weight of 20 percent ( range of 15-25 % ) of his weight. This is based on a study of T. Champagne, an occupational therapist on mental health.
BEST to BUY at : National Autism Resources Corp
The Sleeptight Weighted Blanket
Therapist designed Sleeptight weighted blanket features industrial materials and stitching for several years of use. Choice of correct size for your child depends on his age and weight. The blanket is generally recommended to weigh more or less 20 % of the child’s body weight. For example, a child who weighs 25 pounds should use a 5 pound blanket.
This blanket is sewn with a curved cut out at the top to fit properly the contour of the shoulders and below the chin. Thus, it provides comfortable deep pressure to chest and shoulders without crowding into the neck.
Please do not place the blanket over the face to avoid suffocation.
This Sleeptight weighted blanket is usually made smaller than a regular blanket so that the calming deep pressure is distributed throughout the body and not across the bed, which will not serve its purpose.
Other Uses of a Weighted Blanket
The Sleeptight weighted blanket is also made for other purposes aside from calming a child during stress.
It is made of soft corduroy fabric to withstand years of use and this soft tactile cover helps the child to have a calming sleep at night.
Compared with other calming products which have limited use during the day only, this Sleeptight weighted blanket can be used all throughout the night or can be removed when your child is already asleep.
It is also useful for kids or even adults who have anxiety problems, insomnia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ).
Be Very Cautious
This blanket provides additional warmth, so please regulate your thermostat so the room temperatures don’t become too warm, otherwise, your child might be sweating a lot after a few hours of use and be uncomfortable.
There is also a debate if a weighted blanket is safe for children. Some studies say it is safe for teens and adult, but not for kids.
There were 2 reported deaths on using a weighted blanket. Both happened outside their home. One was on a 9 year old boy with autism , who was put on the blanket for 20 minutes in the classroom and another was a 7-month old infant in the daycare.
I would advise you dear parents to please supervise the use of the weighted blanket so it is not placed over the child’s face and observe him always if he is okey. You can remove it when he is asleep already.
When your child is in daycare or in the classroom, always check if the caregivers or teachers use them during his stay and be sure that they know how to use the blanket properly.
Greatly Recommended
Again, if your child is autistic, even if he is a grown-up already, using a weighted blanket is a sure way to calm him during a stress, such as a meltdown.
This will also be very useful when he has problems getting a sleep or being disturbed during sleep.
So, if your child is so stressed that he refuses a hug or a massage, grab his weighted blanket and offer him to relax under it.
It will surely dissipate the anxiety in no time.
Have you ever used a weighted blanket? Did it help your special child a lot? Please share your experiences with us.
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Well I still don’t understand why most parent don’t give attention to their kids, giving your kids attention is should be your first priority so that you can be close to them and also with that you can get to know their wants and demands. Also when you’re closer to your kids or wards they can tell the most deepest secrets of themselves. They will also tell you their fears and you in turn can tell them how to overcome them and be the best version of themselves.
Right, an open parent-child communication is so important even with our special kids, thus, when conflicts arise, they can be easily solved.
This is more applicable for temper tantrums, but with meltdowns, knowing the triggers and modifying them or avoiding exposure for your child is the best prevention.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Thank you so much for this informative article about weighted blankets for autism meltdowns. I have used a weighted blanket as an adult, and they can feel a bit too heavy in places. However, I especially like the idea of a weighted blanket with a neck cut out for a child, as it seems like it would still provide the benefits without being too constrictive in the wrong areas. Thank you for sharing your advice on what weight is appropriate for what age / weight. This is very helpful.
Hi Aly,
It’s really important to choose the right measurement of the weighted blanket according to the chid’s age so they will be comfortable in using it when needed.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
This is fascinating. I never knew such a thing existed until I read this. Although I don’t have a child with autism myself, one of my good friends does and she struggles with him quite a bit. I wouldn’t mind getting one of these for them, if I can get her to tell me how much he weighs, so I don’t just guess and end up with the wrong one. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Mark,
Yes, getting the best fit of the weighted blanket for the child, by knowing his weight would benefit him the most.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Thanks for the article, it’s really educative.
Most children with violent behavior really deserve the weighted blanket, but my fear is that when a child struggles with weighted blanket for a longtime won’t there be any problem? Though you have mentioned the sizes, weight, age and dimension of each weight blanket.
Hi Chris,
The child might not be comfortable at first, but he will eventually get used to it and will love it because it will give him comfort and relieve his anxiety. It works just like a hug.
God bless,
Marita
Hi Marita, I really enjoyed reading this article. Your article is quite informative and educating. You have vividly explained the clear difference between throwing a temper tantrum and having a meltdown in autistic children.
Caring for autistic children can be quite stressful at times, because they often don’t communicate very well for their parents or caregivers to know what they want sometimes.
Thanks for your advice on how to react when an autistic child is having a meltdown. The best option being that you need to identify what triggers such meltdown. A weighted blanket sounds great especially the fact that it releases serotonin in the body.
Great article I must say, keep up the good work.
Definitely, caring for kids with autism is a handful, thus I honor their parents and caregivers.
Thanks for your nice words!
Marita
Hello! (:
I read your post and I learned a lot about all of the uses of the weighted blanket. I think that your content is eye opening, and I like how descriptive it is. The thing that stood out to me most about your article is that you talk about the uses of the weighted blanket for autistic children to calm meltdowns…. I have never heard of that before, but I am sure it can help!
I wish you much success,
Joshua
Yes, the weighted blanket has been proven to be very helpful indeed for meltdowns of kids with autism.
God bless,
Marita
Hi there 🙂 Be a parent of an autistic child is a hard job. I know how many problems might be caused. I never heard about those weighted blankets, but now I will check it. I hope, that product will be as good as you described it. Please, tell me one thing. Do you use those kinds of blankets?
Hi Igor,
Honestly, I haven’t used any weighted blanket because I don’t have any reason to do so.
Reading lots of good reviews and articles about it, though inspired me to do this review.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Hi Marita, thank you for this post. I have heard about and have seen a few autistic children. It is really hard work for their parents. This blanket is a really good idea. But how exactly is it to be used? I mean can it still be put on the child if they are already throwing tantrums? Can it be used in public places like in church or the shopping mall? Do they have these blankets in adult size? For adults suffering from anxiety?
Hi Juliet,
The weighted blanket is to be used just like a regular one, with the child put in bed, or in a chair if he does not want to lie down.
And yes, you can use it while the child is having a meltdown even in the church or shopping mall, it might just look a little awkward, but it should be okey.
Not sure if they are beneficial for tantrums because with these episodes, you have to address what the child wants, but they could help with their anxiety, as well, I think.
There are different sizes, even for adults who have anxiety or sleep problems, just consider their weight so you will find the true fit for the person.
Have a nice day!
Marita
Weighted blankets can help calm an autistic child. The warmth from the weighted blankets helps calm the child and relieves stress. However, weighted blankets should be used cautiously because too much warmth can cause the child to feel hot and uncomfortable.
Care givers also need to be educated on the use of a weighted blankets to avoid unnecessary complications.
Hi Louis,
Thanks for putting forward these very important concerns. I explained them very well above.
Marita
Wow! This is a wonderful review on the blanket, I have been overwhelmed with the level of research output and technology lately. Now the application to autism is cool too, autistic kids actually need to be shown love through hugs and the likes and it’s nice to see this blanket perform this role effective as well. Thanks for the great review.
Hi Salim,
Research and studies have shown how these weighted blankets work effectively for our kids with autism spectrum disorder.
These kids during their meltdown, usually refuse the human touch or hugs or so overwhelmed for a certain time, thus the weighted blanket can be very much helpful to calm and comfort them.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
This was a very interesting and informative article. I personally have never heard of a weighted blanket and during reading your article had some concerns about its safety and limitations which you luckily also have addressed throughout the article.
I also thought that it could be probably useful for any adult person who has some sleeping problems or is otherwise a bit anxious.
Have you any personal experience with this kind of blanket?
I might try it for myself.
Hi Sylvia,
Weighted blankets are also useful for adults especially for those with insomnia and anxiety.
Fortunately, I don’t have those concerns, so I haven’t used it at all.
Thanks for reading.
Marira
This is truly and eye-opener as to how to treat and autistic child who has a meltdown.
I had not heard of a weighted blanket before I read your review and am grateful to you for bringing this to our attention. It makes sense that the blanket would give the child or adult the sense of being hugged and bring about calm when they are anxious.
Your specific attention given to making sure people understand that the blanket can effect fatal consequences if not handled correctly is valuable advice in a time of need.
Thank you for providing an in-depth look into autistic children and their behaviour and how to deal with it in a caring way.
Edu
Hi Edu,
Meltdowns in autistic kids can be so stressful for their parents and caregivers and the weighted blanket is so helpful for these incidents.
There are other related products as well, like weighted vests that they can wear to school to lessen their anxiety.
Thanks for reading.
God bless,
Marita
Marita what an interesting remedy/method to assist with autistic melt downs. I love finding alternative and drug free methods to health solutions. As a past teacher it is reassuring to know there are multiple techniques for carers and parents to deal with challenging situations such as this.
In addition, it was interesting to read that the weighted blanket can be used for kids and adults dealing with anxiety, insomnia or ADHD. Always great for a product to have multiple uses. Thanks for sharing and creating awareness of this alternative, simple but effective solution to autistic melt downs.
Hi Fleur,
Weighted blankets have scientific basis on its usefulness since they provide deep touch pressure equivalent to hugs and massages, which we know gives relaxation and relieves anxiety.
We know that autistic kids can have meltdown anytime and this is really helpful for them.
Thanks for reading.
God bless,
Marita
Absolutely beautiful! I wonder if there is a way to link an affiliate connection to get families with special needs support like in home care, home health, private duty nursing, respite or other resources… I have always wanted to learn more about these blankets, and this is a very nice presentation. Thank you & kind regards!
Nurse Becca
Hi Nurse Becca,
If you’re thinking of asking support from businesses, maybe you can send them an email to inquire. Look at their contact lists in their websites.
These weighted blankets, as mentioned in the post are very helpful to calm special kids who experience meltdown, lots os stresses or sleep problems.
Thanks for your nice comments.
Marita
Hey i really enjoyed this article, it was very informative. It looks like you know what to do with autistic kids, i have never been put in that situation so i wouldnt know what to do. I drive with uber and i heard of a story from another driver and she got scared because of some of the behavior from her passenger. Keep it up all of this is informative.
Hi Justin,
I’m glad that you learned something from this post.
I have a medical background and I have members of my family who are special and autistic. These kids really need our love and support.
Meltdowns of special kids cannot be stopped, when they are coming, and they just stop eventually.
When you encounter one as a driver, don’t panic. Just make the child be comfortable so he will not be hurt or another individual for that matter. The episode just stops eventually.
Marita
Hello Marita,
Honestly, I had never heard of weighted blanket but it’s a simple yet great concept. It is interesting how simple products like this can help a lot of people have better lives. As a non-autistic person, I am curious to use these blankets because I think they will create a better feeling even for me.
A few questions:
You have mentioned that in some studies it is proven to be safe for adults and teens and not for kids. How old is considered as the safe age for using these blankets?
Thanks for sharing this with us.
These products also come as weighted vests, not just blankets. They all work to calm the individual using it, even kids.
For non-autistic persons, it is useful for sleep problems and to relieve stress as well.You can definitely use it.
Any kid can use it starting at 3 years old. But it needs to be supervised when using it to avoid suffocation. Thus, the kid’s face should not be covered at all. As well, the temperature of the room needs to be monitored because it could get too hot in there.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
I have 2 friends with autistic children and I am going to give them your website URL as I’m not sure they no about this type of calming blanket
It is amazing and will help these 2 friends with their children as I know it upsets them when they feel unable to calm the kids down and they also worry about them hurting themselves
Thank you for sharing this really wonderful information
Hi Vicki,
Weighted blankets are really useful to calm down meltdowns of autistic kids.
Like you said, they could hurt themselves, or even their parents or caregivers when they become so stressed, so keeping them under the weighted blanket will soothe them in no time.
Thanks for planning to share my website to your friends. They will learn lots of useful information here.
God bless,
Marita
As a mother of an autistic young man (21 years old) I wish I could have known about this blanket for when he was a toddler. I remember very well his tantrums and meltdowns. Thankfully that all stopped during grade school and he calmed down. But this blanket might be something I would buy for myself. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Andrea,
Weighted blankets are useful even for grown-ups especially if they have sleep problems or even if they are so stressed.
It has a calming effect, just like a hug. For sure , it will be very helpful for you, and even for your 21 year old autistic son.
They come in different sizes , and you buy them depending on your weight.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Thank you so much for sharing this informative article on meltdowns, temper tantrums, deep touch pressure, and weighted blankets. You are doing great work for everyone! I am thankful to learn something new today. And I shared it on Pinterest and Twitter social media as well so that others can find your site.
Thank you so much Glen for your nice comments and for sharing.
Glad that you learned from my article.
God bless,
Marita
It is interesting how a simple weighted blanket to treat an autistic individual can actually help them in times of having a stress attack or temper outburst. Most people do not know about the benefits of this treatment method as doctors often recommend other medicinal treatment plans with use of tranquilizers and mood stabilizers to treat patients.
The concept is actually really simple. If you had an outburst and your emotions were running high, would you not want to get a comforting hug?
It is the same concept with the weighted blanket. You can hug your autistic child yes, but the weighted blanket will ensure sweet, comforting dreams decreasing the need of the parent to constantly monitor their children throughout the night after a rough day.
While it is true that adult supervision is required during this treatment especially with children, much consideration should be given to use this product as it has proven success rates for treatment of autism.
Hi Marchelle,
You are right, these outbursts or meltdowns, which are quite common for autistic individuals don’t need any drugs for control. A hug from a parent or caregiver, which are not usually welcome during the episode, could be duplicated by the weighted blanket which could alleviate the anxiety through deep touch pressure.
That individual, once aware of the effect, could just voluntarily use it on his own when he feels he cannot control his outbursts, but for little kids, adult supervision is really crucial to avoid suffocation.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Well, that was educational because I hadn’t really thought about the difference between a temper tantrum and a meltdown before. But the distinction makes perfect sense.
I’ve been hearing a lot about weighted blankets, and that many people find they are so beneficial to relieve stress and anxiety. That is a benefit for autistic children, for sure.
When I was a teacher I remember that one of the students had a weighted vest to wear that used to make him feel calmer. I’m thinking that I may purchase a weighted blanket and try it out because I do have trouble sleeping sometimes, and I hear they are good for that, too.
Thanks for the great detail about the value of weighted blankets! 🙂
Hi Stella,
Yes, weighted blankets are also useful for sleep problems and they come in different sizes depending on your weight. You could definitely try it.
Right, those weighted vests have the same calming effect for the special kids, especially if they are new in school or if going to school gives them some form of anxiety, just like your student.
Parents of special kids are usually aware when their kids have tantrum or meltdown, but the people around them are not, so information like these come handy when we witness those kids or individuals having their outbursts in a public place.
Thanks for stopping by.
Marita
A really fantastic review article. I have never heard of a weighted blanket until now.
I’m sure a bit of common sense is involved that a weighted blanket will of cause be warmer, but I am really happy you pointed this out in your review to allow parents to regulate the room temp accordingly. As with adults it isn’t nice being to hot under a blanket.
It’s great the blanket can help with insomnia as well. I don’t purposely suffer with this, but my partner does. So I will show her your article as I don’t think she has heard of these either.
Hi David,
Glad that you learned something from my article.
Your partner will surely benefit from a weighted blanket which will improve her sleep problems.
Thanks for the nice comment.
Marita
I found this post very interesting. It is very cool that there is a way to help your child during a meltdown because I don’t think any parent can tolerate their child being in pain of any kind.
I never knew such a device existed before now and I think it is a really cool idea that you can almost give your child a much-needed hug without touching them.
I think products like these can also help spread awareness about autism and this can make strangers more understanding and prepared to deal with meltdowns more effectively.
Hi Renton,
The weighted blanket as mentioned, is really a cool stuff to use in meltdowns of our autistic kids, but should be used properly.
If you are a parent of a special child, especially those with autism, meltdowns can be so stressful and your patience is really tested during an episode, plus the fact that your child has the potential to be aggressive and can hurt himself and others.
So, reassurance and putting him under a weighted blanket will replace your hug which usually is not appreciated during those times and pretty soon, your child’s anxiety will be dissipated.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
While I was reading your blog, I was getting impressed how you become so knowledgeable of the topic only to find out that your a doctor.
This is a very helpful post Dr. Marita!
I observed these on my children whenever they wanted something.
At first they are very nice while expressing their wants to have something. When I say no, the drama and tantrums start.
They do something I dislike, they get easily irritated, they madly pout their lips, roll their eyes, show how deeply sad they are, and answer in impolite manner when you ask them questions until I couldn’t resist them but buy what they want.
Sometimes, if we don’t really have an extra, I tell them and they do understand though.
By the way, is this product available in the Philippines? I think there has to be an alternative for this one in the tropics. Can you recommend some? Have other products to recommend on how to take control over our child’s emotions without hurting and giving in to their wants? It is painful to the pocket. 🙂
Kids are somehow manipulative of their parents, they know how to act so we give in to them. Those are tantrums that you are describing.
We as parents need to know that we should not give in to our kids at all times, because they will continue on manipulating us and outside of our homes, they will continue on doing that even with other people. As long as we explain to them why we cant buy what they want, they will realize later that we really can’t afford. Let us just be consistent so they also learn discipline.
Instead of always giving in to their wants all the time, proper explanation as I mentioned, plus lots of hugs, reassurance, and telling them that we love them no matter what, would help. Or just giving them space, like ignore them and allow them to process their feelings on their own would also help. Eventually, if they know that you are really not giving in, they will just stop.
Definitely, you can also use weighted blankets for normal kids who are very anxious and with sleep problems. They are just pricey but there are other less expensive choices in Amazon.
At alibaba.com, they have some in USD and less expensive like $10-15.00 I’m not sure though if they are as durable as that one that I reviewed.
Thanks for visiting.
Marita
This is a great post, Marita! Weighted blankets can be so valuable for children and adults. I suggest that my adult clients with PTSD and other trauma-related mental health challenges use weighted blankets for the calming impact. It has also been just as hlepful for adults who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
I love what you’re doing to help children! Keep up the good work!
God bless you!
Colleen
Hi Colleen,
Yes, weighted blankets are useful not only in kids but also in adults, and definitely for those with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, as well as trauma-related mental health challenges for their anxiety and sleep problems. It will be calming and comforting for them.
Thank you for visiting my website and for your nice comment and wishes.
God bless you too!
Marita
Hi Marita,
I’m a dad of my three year old son Benni. I have to admit that, despite that, I have NEVER heard of weighted blankets before. Luckily our son is not autistic, and that may be the reason.
Do you know if the concept of weighted blankets also work with non-autistic kids? I mean, I think kids don’t have to be autistic in order to have meltdowns every once in a while (maybe the severeness is different, I would assume) and guess the idea of “simulating” a hug would work there as well!?
I also like that you pointed out that there maybe issues with temperature under the blanket. Thanks for reminding us readers of that as well!
Cheers,
chris
Hi Chris,
I’m sure you’re having a fantastic time bonding with Benni. Three is the age where they are very adventurous and inquisitive.
Yes, meltdowns do happen also in normal kids, but just more common in the autistic ones. It is the time when they lose control of what is happening and they don’t know how to respond.
Definitely, the weighted blanket is useful even for normal kids ( and adults ) especially if they have sleep problems or just having meltdowns or being very anxious with some things or events.
Thanks for stopping by.
God bless,
Marita
Interesting about a deep touch pressure can alleviate a cause of a meltdown to the poor fellow with autism. I personally haven’t met one yet but this information it’s very useful for this type of situations, but what I also find use full trying to teach them to calm their mind and focus on their breathing so they can ground on the present moment.
Hi Erick,
An autism meltdown is something really intimidating and can be dangerous at times. Parents or caregivers need to be calm in dealing with these situations so as not to add to the stress of their kids.
Usually these children feels so frustrated, cannot control their behaviour and don’t know how to respond , that they also tend to refuse your hugs or touch, but you can always try these first together with advising them to be calm and do deep breathing as you suggested.
Thus, the best way to approach your kid’s meltdown is to offer him to relax under the weighted blanket because the DTP that it brings will simulate your hugs and massage, and will eventually calm him.
Thanks for passing by.
Marita