For adults and children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), a neurological disorder that causes difficulties with processing and responding to sensory information within one's own body and from the environment, extreme sensitivity to this sensory input may result in agitation, fear, confusion, distress and an extreme avoidance of activities. Participation with the activities of daily life such as self care, school and work, leisure activities and planning and organizing can be very difficult for many children and adults with SPD. Although there is no known cure for this disorder, there are many sensory integration therapies that have been proven to be helpful, including the use of weighted products. Proprioceptive input from the deep pressure provided in weighted products offers important sensory information to the joints and muscles, which can result in calming and organizing children and adults with sensory issues.

The Weighted Wearables products now available from Rehabmart offer a high quality line of weighted adaptive products that facilitate proprioceptive feedback, organize arousal levels for learning, and increase postural stability and attention span. These innovative products can be used for children and adults with ADD, ADHD, CP, MD, PDD, Autism and for many other sensory processing issues. Originally created by an Occupational Therapist and an ESE Early Childhood Assistant with degrees and experience in design and special education,the popular Weighted Wearables are utilized by schools, hospitals, clinics and individuals all over the world.

   From library.rehabmart.com
 
 
Specifically designed to aid in organizing the arousal levels for learning through weights and sensory input, the Weighted Lap Lander Blanket is available in three different sizes. The Lap Lander 1 is a nine inch by nine inch square that weighs two pounds to be used specifically in the lap area. The Lap Lander 2 measures nine inches by eighteen inches, weighing four pounds, while the Lap Lander 3 weighs six pounds and measures nine inches by twenty-four inches, with both providing extra width to lie on both the lap and extend into the upper thigh area. The water-resistant weight pouches are easy to remove for personalizing individual sensory needs. Fun fabrics for kids are embellished with dimensional paint on the cover and interior of two pockets for increased tactile input, while adult prints are also available.

 
 
 
 
   From library.rehabmart.com
 
 
 
 
 
Also featuring a wide variety of embellished, tactile fabrics for children and adults with easily removable weight pouches, the Sensory Snuggle Weighted Lap Pad can additionally be used around the neck, shoulders, hip and waist areas with its unique U-shaped design. A variety of uses include weighted lower back therapy, as an aid in postural stability, and for increasing attention span and focus for learning.

 
 
 
   From library.rehabmart.com
 
 
 
Through input from occupational therapists, the Weighted Wonder Vest comes in a sturdy denim fabric and provides deep pressure and important sensory information to the joints and muscles. Offering an innovative design with two shoulder weights and four lower weight pouches for the children's sizes through the adult small size, and eight lower weight pouches for the adult medium, large and extra large sizes, this specific distribution of the weights provides improved proprioceptive feedback throughout the trunk. Safely weighted with steel beads, weights can be removed, with additional lower weights available with the purchase of the vest. Fun and attractive trims for the children's sizes are optional, and this vest buttons easily in the front, or can button in the back upon request.

 
 
   From library.rehabmart.com
For full body proprioceptive input, the Weighted Cozy Comforter weighted blanket helps calm and slow the central nervous system. Very effective for individuals experiencing sleeping difficulties, these weighted blankets can also be used as adaptive tools during 'quiet time' at school, home or clinical settings. Soft fleece on the underside offers additional comfort, while juvenile print or plaid fabrics are fun and attractive to children. Water-resistant weight tubes run the width of the comforter, and while they are securely inserted between two layers of lining, they are also easily removable for individual sensory requirements.

All of the Weighted Wearables products are machine-washable and can be safely placed in dryers. It is important to note that while these weighted products can help a wide variety of SPD issues, not all children and adults have the same sensory integration needs. It is recommended that weighted products should be used under the direction and advice of a healthcare professional or licensed therapist and should always be used under adult supervision. Talk to your therapist, or your child's therapist about the possibility of utilizing weighted therapy for sensory modulation and integration. Using the Weighted Wearables products just might change your life, or your child's life into a whole new wonderful experience!

Carol Koenigsknecht,
Medical Consumer Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO