Weighted Items and Autism Ranking:

Audience

According to Stephenson and Carter (2008), weighted items like weighted vests are designed for people with sensory problems (such as sensory integration dysfunction) or for people with posture and balance problems (such as people with cerebral palsy).

Some people believe that individuals with sensory problems may be easily distracted, hyperactive and lacking in concentration, have poor hearing and speaking skills, have sleep difficulties, or have poor proprioception (awareness of their body), anxiety or stress.

According to Stephenson and Carter (2008), weighted items have been used with a wide range of children including
“…  children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, sensory integrative disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, Down syndrome and traumatic brain injury.”

Weighted items are mostly used with pre-school children and primary school aged children, but they may also be used by older children and adults.

Updated

17 Jun 2022

Last Review

31 May 2018

Next Review

01 Jun 2024