Autistic spectrum children normally cannot stand to be held and are restless. The weight of the blanket makes them feel held/swaddled and secure. Using the blankets at night mostly insures the child will get a good night's rest. Part of their problem is not being able to get a good night's sleep. Without the proper rest, the child cannot pay attention and learn. If the child isn't sleeping/resting, that means the parents/family aren't sleeping/resting either. I have had several parents tell me that once the blanket became a part of the nighttime ritual, everyone was able to sleep.