Weighted blankets help with Asperger's syndrome and autism

Therapy blankets help with Asperger's syndrome and autism

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome: Characteristics and Challenges

Autism is a developmental disorder that can manifest itself in early childhood. Asperger's Syndrome is a type of autism and can be diagnosed from the age of 4. These children have difficulties communicating with other people; they usually find it hard to recognize and understand the facial expressions and intentions of others. Often, the focus is placed on a few interests, which can certainly develop into a high aptitude. Even if the behavior of an autistic child might seem strange to the outside world, it is important not to label this manifestation as an illness, but rather to provide the child with an appropriate environment. Since symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hyperactivity, restlessness, and aggression often occur with diagnosed autism, a weighted blanket can also help here.

Weighted Blanket: Effects on Relaxation, Stress, and Sleep

The weight of the blanket acts on the muscles, tendons, and joints, allowing the body to be perceived more intensely and controlled better. This can be particularly helpful for autism—many everyday challenges that seem unproblematic to non-autistic people are, in fact, stressful. The accumulated overstimulation and resulting stress can be reduced by a more intense perception of the body, promoting a harmony between body and mind.

The happiness hormone serotonin and the sleep hormone melatonin are responsible for initiating relaxation; their release is promoted when the weighted blanket is applied. Muscles and the nervous system relax, anxieties are reduced, and the body can recover more easily from accumulated aggression and tension due to the lowering of cortisol levels (the so-called stress hormone). Falling asleep becomes easier and sleep is more restful.

Summary

Symptoms like restlessness and aggression can be reduced with a weighted blanket
Weight relieves the body of accumulated stress and everyday overstimulation

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