It is believed that the use of weighted blankets and weighted stuffed animals can help relax the nervous system by providing grounding pressure. Despite what the name "stuffed animal" would indicate, adults can also benefit from using weighted plush creatures. As a matter of fact, plush animals aimed squarely at adults are predicted to be a popular item in 2022. If you've had a hard day, cuddling up with a blanket and a stuffed animal may help you relax and unwind.
How Do Weighted Stuffed Toys Help With Autism?
A lot of people with autism find that playing with weighted toys helps them to feel more at ease. When used properly, the toy's deep pressure has the potential to reduce stress and promote feelings of security. Playing with weighted toys involves a number of repetitive motions that may help with concentration and focus. When kids have trouble focusing, playing with a weighted toy may help. The added heft and resistance of the toy might have a calming and focusing effect on the kid, which can have practical applications. The toy's resistance might serve as a point of stability for a child who is feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
If you're a parent of an autistic child, you know how challenging life can seem at times. You want to make life easier for your kid, of course. It can be possible that stuffed animals can be one of these tools. Though stuffed animals might help alleviate some of the main symptoms of autism, they should never replace therapy or other therapies advised by a doctor. Here is how weighted stuffed animals can help your child:
- Great Way To Ease Emotional Distress
Many people with autism, whether they are four years old or forty, find the noise and chaos of daily life too much to handle. It's no surprise, therefore, that people seek solace in familiar objects, which can also serve to calm the senses. Since stuffed animals may be cuddled, caressed, and even weighted to calm children, they are ideal for this role.
- Little Ones Can Learn From Them How To Play
Studies have shown that children with autism have distinct differences in their play styles compared to their typically developing peers. They often struggle to engage in more complex forms of play, such as imitation or symbolic play (or pretend play). They are likely to engage in more solitary, repetitive play instead. There are a number of therapeutic settings where stuffed animals might be useful tools for teaching these crucial play skills.
- They Can Help Kids Build Friendships and Confidence
Kids on the autism spectrum may have trouble making friends and expressing themselves. Although they need interpersonal connections, they are typically ill-equipped to handle the influx of new people into their lives. On the other side, a stuffed animal might help your kid get more comfortable among other kids and develop important social skills.
What Are The Benefits Of Weighted Stuffed Toys?
There are a number of benefits to using weighted toys for autistic children. They can provide deep pressure and proprioceptive input in addition to aiding in the processing of sensory information. They can also be used for relaxation and self-soothing purposes and to improve focus and attention. Playing with weighted toys can help kids hone their motor skills in both large and small increments. For example, a weighted toy may be used to help a stressed-out kid chill out by giving them some much-needed deep pressure. The deep pressure input provided by the weighted toy may make the child feel more rooted and might aid in calming the child's overactive nervous system. In addition, children with autism can benefit from the calming effects of weighted blankets, vests, and other products designed specifically for them. These items may be utilised for a variety of purposes, including calming and focusing the child and reining in disruptive behaviours.
In addition to their therapeutic value, weighted stuffed animals have a number of other uses. They help calm the nervous system, lessen anxiety, and have even been shown to improve kids' nighttime sleep. Young children may find comfort and joy in the use of a weighted stuffed animal, which may also act as a toy to encourage play and help them deal with anxiety.
Checklist for Buying a Weighted Stuffed Animal
The most superior weighted stuffed animals have plush fabrics that are pleasant to cuddle. They should, of course, be smooth to the touch and easy to hold. However, when looking for your first weighted stuffed animal, size, weight, and substance are the three most important considerations.
Every person will have a different opinion on all three of them. It should be noted, however, that someone who prefers cuddling may select something bigger, but another individual may choose something more unobtrusive.
The typical weight for a stuffed animal is between two and five pounds. This is something to give serious consideration to while buying, especially for a child. You'll want to get your small one a toy that serves a purpose but isn't too cumbersome to carry about.
Finally, and perhaps most obviously, it must be comfortable against the skin and either machine-washable or include a removable cover that can be washed separately.
Different Types Of Weighted Stuff Toys
Weighted stuffed animals come in a variety of forms. Some have little weights attached, while others are packed with sand or another heavy substance. There are several kinds of weighted toys, some of which are designed to stimulate the senses, while others are meant to be used as therapeutic tools.
Some weighted toys are meant to be worn, while others may be carried or handled. They come in a multitude of styles and sizes and are fashioned from a variety of materials.
What Is The Greatest Weighted Toy For Autistic Kids?
Selecting a sensory item for autistic children requires keeping a few things in mind. You should think about the person's age, weight, and height while choosing a weighted toy. Additionally, the toy shouldn't be too heavy or too light, and it should be comfortable to handle. The material used to make the toy should be safe for teething infants. For their sake, clarity is essential.
Individual sensory needs and preferences must be taken into account. Many autistic persons have a preference for a lighter weight, but some have a preference for a larger weight.