by Weighted blankets for autism are specifically made to distribute that feeling of deep-pressure touch across the blanket. Your body feels relaxed with the compression, and it can help you sleep better.
We have gathered a list of some of the best-weighted blankets for autism.
What are the Best Blankets for Autism?
Our Top 5 Weighted Blankets for Autism?
Aricove Weighted Blanket
- Breathable
- Soft
This blanket for autism has a cooling effect and is made of natural bamboo fiber.
If you are looking for the best option, try this weighted blanket. It is a good choice for anyone who sleeps hot because it comes with natural bamboo fibers. So, it allows you to sleep cool and comfortable (also check 10 top rated mattresses with great comfort).
These blankets feature superfine beads made of glass along with microfiber, which is hypoallergenic. The double-diamond design will give you the best comfort as the blanket will contour according to your shape.
One of the best features of this blanket is that it feels relaxing and soft. It immediately shifts your body into a relaxing mode which ultimately helps you out in dealing with your stress and depression. That is why it is a good choice for anyone who has to deal with autism.
Apart from that, this blanket is made of hypoallergenic materials and doesn’t have any harmful chemicals. Therefore, people with respiratory issues and sensitive skin can enjoy using this weighted blanket.
Cleaning and maintaining this mattress is too easy as it is machine washable. It has a design that works with various bedding accessories, sheets, covers, and mattress toppers.
It is available in 5 different weights ranging from 10 lbs to 20 lbs, and all sizes are the same. These weighted blankets come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty.
MAXTID Weighted Blanket
- Relaxing
- Excellent quality
Want to go for the best-weighted blankets for toddlers? These innovative weighted blankets are great and available in different colors too.
Maxtid brings you its range of weighted blankets, ideally suitable for toddlers. These weighted blankets weigh 5 lbs and are 36x 48 in size. You can also find various color options.
They are available in four different colors, and six different weight options are available too. Ranging from 2 lbs to 10 lbs. These blankets blend cotton and polyester, making them durable and suitable for your little ones.
Thanks to the one-piece construction, you don’t have to worry about any rips or tears in these blankets, no matter how harsh your toddler is on these blankets.
The mink fabric has a sensory input, evenly distributing the weight across the blanket and ultimately over the entire body of your little one.
Your kid will be able to get enough sleep to wake up fresh and happy. And it will also help in their physical and mental development. It will also calm down highly active kids and help them to relax.
This weighted blanket is pretty durable and machine washable. So, you don’t have to make an effort to hand wash it. Just throw it into your machine and start using it again.
Moreover, it goes well with different mattress toppers, sheets, covers, and pillowcases, thanks to its design and the color options available.
BARMY Weighted Lap Pad
- Microbeads
- PTPA Approval
The barmy weighted blanket is available in eight different colors and comes with a removable lap, making it much easier to clean and maintain.
Here’s another option that you can consider for your kids. This weighted blanket by Barmy is available in eight different colors, which are more than what Maxtid offers.
This blanket for kids has a removable cover that you can wash, which is not there in Maxtid. It is a pretty versatile option for your kids and pet. The filling is 100 percent cotton, so it is not made of any harmful chemicals.
This blanket offers superior comfort, only available in one size, 24×24, just like Maxtid. It comes with the PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) Seal. Cleaning and maintaining this blanket is not an issue because it comes with a removable cover. These covers have a Minky dot material on one side and bamboo viscose on the other. So, it keeps the weight over your kid’s body and prevents them from sleeping hot.
Another positive of using this blanket is that it is portable and durable. It comes in a durable PVC bag that allows you to store it away when not in use. On the inside, the blanket has microfiber beads within small pockets to ensure even weight distribution.
GNO Premium Weighted Blanket
- Breathable Bamboo
- Soft
With premium quality construction and durable design, this elegant-looking weighted blanket is a top choice for its function and looks.
The GNO weighted blanket is a top choice for anyone who’s looking for premium quality. It comes with a removable bamboo cover, so maintaining and cleaning this blanket is not difficult.
Another benefit of this weighted blanket is that it is available in various weight options from 12 lbs to 30 lbs. It is available in sizes 48×72, 60×80, and 80×87. So, if you are looking for options, consider this weighted blanket. It is certainly more versatile in weight and size options if you compare it with Maxtid.
And it is available in white, so matching your pillows, sheets, and covers with other bedding accessories won’t be a problem. The blankets have a bamboo cover, while the inner material is cotton. So, these blankets are highly breathable and are suitable for those who tend to sleep hot. This blanket is OEKO-TEX certified and is an ideal choice for anyone dealing with respiratory issues or sensitive skin.
This blanket will come with a duvet cover made of bamboo and is highly breathable. This duvet cover is machine washable. Your package will come in a breathable bag as well. It means you can conveniently pack it without using your blanket. Of course, you will have weight and size options as well.
L'AGRATY weighted blanket
- Cooling Sensation
- Breathable
Budget-friendly and stylish, these weighted blankets offer tremendous value for money.
These weighted blankets are ideal for hot sleepers (also check the top rated cooling mattresses for hot sleepers). It is because they are equipped with cooling features. The blankets have microfiber material and glass beads.
They are better than GNO-weighted blankets because they come at a lower price, and you can use them throughout the year. Moreover, these blankets are available in different weight and size options, just like GNO weighted blankets.
These blankets range from 5 lbs to 25 lbs, and the sizes available are 36×48, 40×60, 48×72, 60×80, and 80×87. The material used in constructing these weighted blankets is of pretty good quality and continues to last a long time. However, no color options are available, so you might have to stick with limited options when choosing your pillowcases, sheets, and covers.
These weighted blankets are quality materials free from toxins and harmful chemicals. What makes these blankets unique is their design and construction, as the beads inside them evenly distribute the blanket’s weight across your body.
These blankets are versatile in size and weight and easy to maintain. You can conveniently wash them, and they will continue to perform for a long time. So, if you are looking for value for your hard-earned cash, there is no better option than these weighted blankets.
How Do You Put A Weighted Blanket On An Autistic Child?
A good practice for you to get your kids used to these weighted blankets is to introduce these blankets to their beds initially. But don’t make them use these blankets right away.
You can show them how to use these blankets and tell them some advantages, even making up some stories if you want. Give them these blankets to try out for their naps and regular use. And once they are well-acquainted with them, you can start giving them these blankets when they go to sleep.
How Does A Weighted Blanket Help With Sensory Issues?
With the added weight of a weighted blanket, it activates the proprioceptive sensory system inside your body. And with the activation of this system inside your body, serotonin and dopamine levels start increasing in your brain.
You will feel more regulated emotionally and calm your senses to control your behavior. In other words, you will be able to rest more peacefully, and it will ultimately help you in improving your sleep quality.
Why Do Children With Autism Like Weighted Blankets?
Of course, these weighted blankets are heavier than regular ones, adding more pressure on the body. Kids with autism tend to feel more secure in these blankets.
That is why occupational therapists use these blankets in the autism community to calm down and comfort those stressed and restless individuals.
This is why autistic kids and adults love these weighted blankets. And you might not even have to make much effort to make your child get used to these blankets.
What Is an Autism Blanket?
An autism blanket is just another name or term to describe weighted blankets. These blankets are also known as sensory blankets. They are filled with materials that help apply deep pressure stimulation on individuals.
Some of these blankets have glass beads, cotton, and other materials to make the blanket heavier. But they have a design that allows the blanket to distribute the weight across its area evenly and the entire body of the user.
What Triggers Autism Meltdowns?
There are various factors that trigger autism meltdowns.
- Sensory under stimulation or overload occurs when an individual is susceptible to sound, smell, taste, touch, movement, or visuals.
- Anxious feelings or anxiety.
- These meltdowns occur when they cannot describe what they want or need.
- Alterations in any routines or dealing with any unexpected change.
How Do You Settle An Autistic Child To Sleep?
You must ensure you develop a bedtime setup routine for your child. Make sure to set appropriate and regular bedtimes and healthy sleep associations. Apart from that, you can set up a comfortable and safe sleep environment for your kid.
Make sure to avoid any excitement, caffeine, or screens before bedtime. Develop their proper diet during day time. And in the end, you have to ensure they get enough physical activity during the day.
How do weighted blankets help in managing anxiety for autistic individuals?
Weighted blankets are designed to offer deep touch pressure, mimicking the sensation of being held or hugged. This pressure can help increase serotonin and melatonin levels, which can not only improve mood but also promote calmness and relaxation. For autistic individuals, this can be especially beneficial in managing anxiety and promoting a sense of security.
Are there any safety precautions to consider when using weighted blankets for autism?
Yes, it’s essential to choose the right weight, which is typically around 10% of the user’s body weight. Always ensure the individual can remove the blanket independently. For younger children or those with certain conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare or occupational therapy professional before use. Regularly inspect the blanket for wear and tear, and ensure it’s evenly distributed when in use.
How long should an autistic individual use the weighted blanket each day?
There’s no strict guideline on the duration of use as it largely depends on the individual’s preference and comfort. Some people benefit from using it only during sleep, while others might find comfort in using it during short breaks throughout the day to help manage stress or anxiety. It’s crucial to monitor the individual’s response and adjust usage accordingly.
Our Recommendation:
There are various options you can try out regarding weight blankets for autism. The good thing is that the market is filled with various different options, but not all of them are the best.
The ones we have mentioned above are pretty good, and they are suitable for kids and adults. Make sure to choose the right size and weight according to your requirements, and always look for blankets with quality materials such as Aricove, GNO, L’Agraty, and others.