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My nephew has one and his mom said it has been a true blessing in their lives.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramona Byrd

On one of the Autistic forums, one mother said that the quilt should be VERY heavy, close to what the child weighs. Seems that the more weight the more protected they feel.

The mother really should have details on this, and what colors the child likes/responds to most. And I think that different fabrics will be better, rough and smooth, soft and hard, more of a touching type of quilt.

Caution on the fabric choices ... some with autism do not like the feel of the different fabrics and look for consistency in the type of fabrics for their clothing etc.

I've been gathering materials to make one for a friend who has an autistic son.

Quote:

Originally Posted by livenlearn124

My SIL has asked me to make a "weighted blanket" for my autistic niece who is hyper sensitive. It is supposed to comfort her in stressful times, like during storms.
Has anyone heard of them, or possibly have made them?

I have a 13 year old with autism. After trial & error what we found worked is non pil fleece. It feels soft, not scratchy and does not shed, pill or need the edges finished. I use 2 pieces 1 yd X wof. I sewed them together with a seam down thhe middle. Then I stitched columns about 3 " wide. Every other column I would put 1/2 cup or so of poly pellets. I would sew crosswise about 3 " from the original seam. After securing the first row of pellets I would alternate columns so eventually I hd a checker board pattern and everyother pocket had pellets. Cost ? around 50 dollars. I believe they should be 10-15 % of body weight. I have an 175 lb kid and there is no way I could lift one his body weight! If more weight is desired make a second blanket. I hope this helps.

I think you need to be careful about using different textures and colors. I have a DGS with similar issues and he is very sensitive to different fabrics and refuses to have some near his skin. Also I think the idea is to use soothing and calming colors not something that would normally be cheerful or bright like you might be tempted. in fact posibly a solid color that would be less likly to draw attention, it is supposed to calm.