How Weighted Blankets Can Help Cope with Asperger’s
Weighted blankets are becoming a popular, affordable option for millions to help deal with the some of the complexities of living with Asperger’s or living on the Autism Spectrum..
There are a variety of treatment options ranging from medications to treat behavioral symptoms (such as medications to assist with inattention or hyperactivity) to non-medication forms of treatment (such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavior modification training). Adolescents and young adults who are diagnosed with Asperger’s often struggle with mood imbalances; at times, mood disorders co-occur with a person’s behavioral diagnosis. These mood imbalances can be difficult to overcome without intervention.
It is important to guide an individual with Asperger’s in navigating a personal plan for addressing mood imbalances. This plan should include activities that are evidence based in improving overall mood and be ones in which the individual has shown interest. By establishing a plan, an adolescent can begin to create a routine to carry into adulthood and improve quality of life overall. The activities including in an individual’s care plan must, at the very least, provide ways to address and proactively prevent significant mood changes. A few examples of activities that specifically target preventing mood swings are: healthy diet and exercise, normal bedtimes and waking times, and calming techniques such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and gratitude journaling.
Sleep disturbances can often prevent a person with Asperger’s from being able to make regular rest a part of his or her intervention plan. While sleeping restfully can be challenging, a tried and true strategy in weighted blankets continues to provide assistance to those who find nightly rest difficult. The soft material these poly-pellet filled quilts are made of provides comfort and warmth while the weight of the blanket satisfies the individual sensory needs of the user. Addressing sensory needs both during the day through various activities and through the addition of a weighted blanket at night can afford someone with Asperger’s a cost-efficient and low risk form of relief from mood imbalances.
About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asperger’s
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the primary title for a group of developmental disorders with very similar characteristics. These disorders have a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability that inhibit a child or adult from normal life functioning. Asperger’s Syndrome, while it used to be a separate diagnosis from Autism, is now included as a disorder under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Asperger’s Syndrome is described as a type of autism that has similar characteristics but is much milder in form; an individual with Asperger’s likely to be high functioning and able to engage in typical social and academic settings. These individuals, however, are likely to have difficulty communicating using social cues and eye contact, and are less likely to be able to initiate social contact. Often, someone with Asperger’s has difficulty recognizing when his or her behavior is socially inappropriate, and will likely struggle with mood imbalances and unexplained irritability and frustration.
Where to Buy Weighted Blankets for Asperger’s or Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)
You can currently find weighted blankets for you or your loved one with Asperger’s at yorkvilleblankets.com. These blankets provide a higher quality, lower prices, and more attractive design so it is more than an aid. Yorkville Blankets are the most popular weighted blanket for ASD for adults and children. They have become some of the most in-demand products on the market. Our blankets are designed to be used year-round and look great in a living room or draped over your bed. Email or chat with us today, we love to talk!