Adaptive Products

Weighted Vest

Weighted Vests are designed to calm children with autism, ADD, SID and ADHD with an emphasis on durability and comfort. This poncho style weighted vest provides proprioceptive feedback, stability and skills. Therapists may adjust the dimensions of the vest as well as the weight to meet the needs of each client.

The concept of the weighted vest is based on the sensory integration therapy technique of deep pressure. Weight and deep pressure is often used to assist the child to self-calm and relax so that sensory stimulus can be processed. The use of a weighted vest provides the child with unconscious information from the muscles and joints.

Children who are easily distracted, hyperactive and lacking in concentration respond positively to the additional weight a vest provides. Therapists have found a weighted vest may also assist with reflex maturity, body position awareness and coordination, balance, eye/hand coordination, spatial perception and hearing and speaking skills. Because of these anecdotal outcomes, many therapists working with children are recommending the use of a weighted vest

The Weighted Vest comes in five sizes and is designed with both side and shoulder openings allowing great flexibility in size adjustments. The weight sets consist of 1/8 lb., 1/4 lb. or 1/2 lb. packets allowing the weight packs to be evenly distributed within the 8 pockets located along the bottom of the vest. Velcro closures help secure the weights within these pockets. Additional weight packs are sold separately. A decrease in length may also be obtained by folding the pocket section up, and securing it to a hidden section of Velcro located half way up the inside of the vest. Our fabric also serves as a backdrop for communication symbols or devices, by attaching hook and loop to the symbol or objects. ( Color of actual vest may differ from the image shown)

How To Care For Your Weighted Vests? All weighted vests are soft, comfortable, highly durable and completely washable. Before washing, remove all weights; secure all Velcro closures to prevent snagging and debris from collecting within the "hook" closure; after continued use, debris that does collect may be removed with a small wire brush. Weights may be wiped off with a damp cloth, avoid soaking them, as the steal shot will begin to rust. Due to the nature of the product and the materials used in them, Do not Dry Clean.

How Do I Determine Which Size Sensory Vest I Need To Order? Our weighted vests are sized based on the measurements listed below and the design of the product allows a great deal of flexibility in size adjustments. To properly size your vest, you will need to measure: 1. Circumference of the user's chest (or stomach depending on which is larger) 2. Top of shoulder to waist or top of hips.

Availability: In Stock