Shop Subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Classroom must haves for teachers plus essential teacher supplies, lesson plans and activities.

schoolyard-logo
  • Education Essentials
  • Inspiration & Planning
  • Learning Spaces
  • Topics
  • Search
  • < Previous post
    Next post >
    Choosing Between a Weighted or Pressure Vest -

    Special Needs
    Cecilia Cruse • Dec 20, 2018 • Last Modified: Jan 24, 2019

    Choosing Between a Weighted or Pressure Vest

    Children with sensory challenges may be overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights or sounds. Other students have trouble with self-regulation that may impact focus, attention and behavior. Pressure and/or weighted vests are often a chosen protocol for these types of sensory/social emotional issues. Let’s take a practical look at why weighted and/or pressure vests may be beneficial for some students.

    Physical and/or Occupational Therapists will often recommend a “sensory diet” rich in heavy work tasks like pulling a heavy wagon, carrying books or grocery bags, doing chair push- ups or crawling/tunnel games. These proprioceptive activities stimulate the deep touch receptors below the skin and in the muscles and joints which may help activate the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This duo, often labeled the “happy chemicals” help promote the body’s sense of pleasure, calm and well- being.

    Sensory Interventions: Weighted & Pressure Vests

    As a sensory based intervention tool, weighted vests and pressure vests are often used as a supplement to the daily dose of deep touch pressure activities listed above. Sample studies indicate that Occupational Therapists in particular use weighted vests in the scope of their practice (Olson & Moulton) including children with attention deficit disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder.

    Potential Benefits of Using a Weighted Vest

    Weighted vests are typically designed with either pockets and/or an attachment option for the weights at the shoulder girdle area for proximal input and stability.

    There are some small sample research studies which show positive results on the use of weighted vests for increasing on task behavior (Fertel-Daly, Bedell & Hinojosa ; Vandenberg ; Lin, Lee, Chang & Hong). Weights may vary with each student, but best practice recommendations often list 5% of the child’s body weight as a starting calibration. Wearing times may vary as well according to the child’s sensory registration level. Busy school days often make pairing the vest time with an activity more successful in compliance vs. a strict on/off time.

    Potential Benefits of Using a Pressure Vest

    Pressure Vests are typically designed with some type of neoprene or similar material. Rather than weight, these vests provide an all over compression to simulate a deep hug effect. Some children find these a more tolerable wearing experience and/or can be an alternate option when weighted vests are contraindicated due to musculoskeletal issues.  

    Shop Specialized Weighted and Pressure Vests

    The online store features a range of options for weighted and pressure vests to fit your student’s needs. Be sure to consult with your child’s OT or PT for best practice recommendations and use.

    Read More: How PunkinFutz is Creating Learning Spaces that Support All Students

    PunkinFutz PunkinHug Compression Vest, Small, Pink

    PunkinFutz PunkinHug Compression Vest, Small, Pink

    PunkinFutz PunkinHug Compression Vest, Small, Green

    PunkinFutz PunkinHug Compression Vest, Small, Green

    PunkinFutz PunkinHug Compression Vest, Small, Blue

    PunkinFutz PunkinHug Compression Vest, Small, Blue

    Shop Weighted Vests

    Shop PunkinFutz Pressure Vests

    Find More on Supporting Students with Special Needs

    To find more inspiration, encouragement, and ideas for engaging with and best supporting students with special needs, be sure to visit the Special Needs category on the blog. You’ll find great suggestions for tools, activities, and more.

    Read More: Special Needs

    Shop All: Sensory Processing Tools

    Cecilia Cruse

    Cecilia Cruse

    Cecilia Cruse, MS, OTR/L has a BS degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida, and her Master’s degree in Education from Georgia State University. She is SIPT certified and has over 25 years’ experience in pediatrics with school-based services, acute care, and outpatient pediatric settings.
    Read more posts by Cecilia Cruse–>

    Facebook Comments

    Tagged With: Inclusion

    Recommended

    Including Children with Special Needs in Literacy Activities

    Special Needs

    Including Children with Special Needs in Literacy Activities

    Timely Transition Tools for Back to School

    Special Needs

    Timely Transition Tools for Back to School

    Promoting Creative Inclusive Practices in Schools

    Special Needs

    Promoting Creative Inclusive Practices in Schools

    Considerations for Inclusive Outdoor Learning Environments

    Special Needs

    Considerations for Inclusive Outdoor Learning Environments

    Explore The Schoolyard

    Education Essentials

    Inspiration & Planning

    Learning Spaces

     

    TopicsShop Subscribe

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • RSS

    Copyright © 2022 School Specialty, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement · Social Media Statement · Do Not Sell My Personal Information - CA Resident Only

  • CATEGORIES

    • Education Essentials
    • Inspiration & Planning
    • Learning Spaces
  • TOPICS

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Early Childhood
    • Special Needs
    • Physical Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Student Resources
    • Organization & Storage
    • Classroom Management
    • STEAM & STEM
    • 21st Century Learning
    • Reading & Literacy
    • Healthy Students
    • Teacher Life
    • Back to School
    • Celebrations & Seasons
    • Out of School
    • News
    • Topics
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube