Do children with autism need a special vest?
One of the possible symptoms of autism spectrum disorder is an unusual sensitivity to external sensory factors such as sound, smell, taste, and/or touch. Some children with autism react unusually to these types of sensory inputs. They may be over-sensitive, so smells, sights, and sounds can feel like an attack. These children may try to avoid these uncomfortable sensory experiences by covering their ears or refusing to eat certain foods. Other children with autism may have reduced sensitivity and seek out heightened sensory experiences, such as firm touch or frequent smelling of objects.
Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) don’t usually have the same issues with sensory factors but instead have persistent difficulty with inattention and or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Dr. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist, proposed that children with ADHD are unable to organize and effectively use sensory information.
To possibly assist these children, exercises and experiences are sometimes recommended, such as deep skin pressure or wearing a specialized vest that is designed to reduce sensory input or help children focus.
There are two types of vests: weighted and compression. They both look like ordinary vests; however, the weighted one has weights totaling between 5-10 percent of the child’s body weight placed evenly around the garment, while the compression vest is made from lightweight neoprene and fits tightly around the child’s torso. The vests are carefully measured and are designed to be worn for limited periods of time. Compression vests are typically viewed as more flexible and less damaging to the joints, compared to weighted ones. The vests should not be worn in extremely high temperatures because they can cause a child to overheat.
Although some parents and professionals report that children seem calmer and more attentive when wearing a specialized vest, current research indicates that these vests are an ineffective treatment for autism or ADHD. Parents are encouraged to prioritize their child’s needs and to consult with their pediatrician to obtain any necessary therapies to help with specific developmental difficulties.
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, January 2020
Takeaways
- Some report that a child with autism or ADHD appears calmer and more attentive while wearing a weighted or compression vest.
- Current research indicates that vests are an ineffective treatment for autism and ADHD.
- Consult your pediatrician about any necessary therapies to help your child’s developmental difficulties.
Someone once said “If you met one person with Autism, you met one person with Autism.” They are all so different. I wish pediatricians could actually help with treatment options but my experience has been they don;t usually know enough. Chances are your child will recieve therapy and some therapist have an “understanding” and some are pretending. Usually since these little ones are “difficult” to work with they, they get assigned to a new therapist whom probably has a great heart but do not have enough experience to actually help. Some are clueless enough that your child has such a negative experience you may not be able to get him to go again. It is an up hill battle. I am not sure about wearing a vest in our 11 years we never tried it. My son does encourage me to “lay on him” which I take to mean he wants the pressure. Thanks for the information. Just as I said a few years ago therapist and doctors alike were encouraging the pressure vest now they say it probably won’t help. As my son is 11 now still non-verbal but communicating better with an iPad and gestures I have been able to understand his needs more and just go with him.
Wendi, I’m not an expert here at Bundoo (or on this subject) but have worked under a BCBA as a behavioral instructor for children with Autism, ages 2-9. Your thoughts on getting a good therapist are really helpful for other parents who may read this, and I just had to respond. When parents first receive their child’s diagnosis, they are often overwhelmed and moved to take action to help their child. Finding a good therapist is key, and it’s important to do your homework and get positive recommendations from your doctor and other parents who have been there. Parents are often the best resource to find out which therapists in the area are the best, so connecting with a local support group early on is key. Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear the iPad is helping your son learn to communicate with you. When people talk about the worry of how technology is harming our children, I think of examples like yours and know that in so many ways, it is beyond helpful.
I absolutely agree. Finding the right therapist can be tricky and may change as your child grows and matures. Fellow parents are such an invaluable resource. Finding a center for autism or a developmental pediatrician can also be a huge help. A developmental pediatrician will be up on the most recent information regarding treatment options that work (or don’t work). Also, never underestimate the value of a great teacher in helping a child with autism reach their full potential.
This is interesting. I’ve taught many Autistic and ADHD children, but I’ve never seen this used in the classroom before. I don’t really see how it would make much a difference, but Instead serve as a distraction.
Hi! You know although the classrooms have these vests available to them I do not recall any children wearing them. My most severe son goes to a School for Autism and there are children using and wearing many different things but I have never seen any of them wear a vest either. So strange I didn’t realize that until this article and reading your comment. Thank you for your insight.