Weighted Blankets/Doonas and other Sensory Products

A.J. with Laura chilling out together

Finding the correct and appropriate products that will suit and benefit you, the consumer, (or more importantly your child), on a personal level, may at times be hard to source.

I personally know and understand the struggle, when first learning of sensory issues with A.J. I was confused by all the different things out there, how to use them, and if they were really worth it.

Searching for the tried-and-true products that will actually aid and assist to help calm and settle our kids during their most vulnerable Melt-Down moments, and not cost the earth.

Luckily for me I am very crafty, and willing to throw myself into the sewing room and give anything a go.

The first product we tried and were a great hit with A.J. was the basic lavender/wheat heat pillows.

Wanting to find a way to keep him warm, during his "I'm cold...." moments,  and not liking the idea of the old fashioned hot-water-bottles, I adapted the lavender/wheat heat-pillow into a larger size to accommodate his need.

The result being, I realised he was also using it in the form of a weighted blanket by laying two on his chest and torso, while gaining the added benefit of the heat he was seeking.

versions of Lavender/Wheat heat-pillows

Strangely enough over the years he has done a 180degree turnaround and doesn't like anything too hot, I believe this may have a lot to do with hormones, so now he doesn't use them. His new 'stim' at the moment being to cocoon himself in a mink blanket wrapped tightly with the softness of the blanket used as a calming sensation.

He also wears a mink style dressing gown, thanks to 'Lowes' for having one in the adult size, as he recently hit the small men's sizing's with his clothing. So his fashion attire while at home consists of a dressing gown and pj pants.

Over the years we have had many weighted blanket versions, although they too at the moment have been ignored. Going through cycles of preference.

one of the many weighted blankets I have made
I now make and sell many to help others

Although, never discard these different options completely once initiated, as they may return to them later.

This may have something to do with what I call their 'sensory cycle'.

I'm not really sure if this is a 'thing', although I have noticed with A.J. his moods and preferences will change for different reasons, somehow aligning with the changing seasons, and sometimes even the moon cycle.

At the moment he has returned to his long time tried and true Lego pieces, making different forms of machinery or building units. This has always been A.J.'s go-to calming tool and although he had veered away from it for some time, it had surfaced again at school recently while having a moment of dysregulation and needed some down time.

The pics are his latest quick make creation the top 'forklift' was made at school, the lower pic was made at home.

No matter what they need, they'll always connect with their favourite way to gain the Calmness they require.