the comfort of a weighted blanket
Two of the other things that Pilgrim deals with (herself, not necessarily all of us) are Asperger's Syndrome and Sensory Integration issues.
Information on Aspergers:
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/
Information on Sensory Integration:
http://sinetwork.org/faq/index.html#whatisspd
One of the problems that several of us inside have is an inability to calm ourselves down (physically or emotionally) when we get upset. There are quite a few things (that are not discussed on this particular journalat this time ) that go on inside that set things off, and before we know it, it feels like our body is falling apart into outer space. There is no sense of "I end here/ someone else begins there". There is no body awareness. Pilgrim and Jo especially have this problem.
There are, fortunately, new products out there through special education catalogues for people who have issues with these things. One of them that can help is a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets, vests, lap pads, and more weighted products are very helpful for people with autism, Aspergers, and sensory integration disorder because the weight aids in calming the person.
A few months ago we ordered a 25 pound blanket from DreamCatcher Blankets in Montana. The lady who makes them makes a very high quality blanket that are SO much better than those often offered on the market. Dreamcatcher blankets can be customized for size, weight, and material.
Ours came today (after a lot of waiting.) It was SO worth the wait!
Our is helping already. Because of the many issues we have around weight, body image, sensory problems, and a few other things that we've not mentioned on this journal, we find our blanket very calming. We've carried it with us all day. Weighted blankets also help people sleep better and we're looking forward to a calmer night tonight. (One of the problems we have at night is kicking around too much, having nightmares, and practically falling out of bed-- hopefully, being weighted down and comforted by a 25 pound blanket will help with these things.)
Here is the link for DreamCatchers Custom Blankets-- http://www.weightedblanket.net/index.htm. They may seem costly for "just a blanket", but, they are SO worth it. We cannot wait to e mail the lady who makes them tomorrow and let her know how much we appreciate getting our blanket from her.
Posted by pilgrim | Filed under:
we hope your weighted blanket helps, it seems to have already just by your words and your eagerness to try it at night. Good luck in this endeavor.
peace and blessings
keepers
I'm glad the blanket helps. I'm going to give this information to the daughter of a good friend of mine who has Asbergers (the daughter). She hasn't been able to work, can't go into crowded stores or restaurants. She's feeling pretty hopeless right now, afraid she will always be unable to socialize, etc. Maybe this will help her, too.