As Autism Risk Rises, the Need for Reliable Weighted Blankets Should Too

For many parents, the risk of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a reality. Although children who develop autism often live to have full and colorful lives, anyone who has cared for someone with an ASD knows how difficult it can be to find safe and reliable equipment.

The Faces of Autism

1 in 68 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder ranging from Asperger’s syndrome to childhood disintegrative disorder. Males are nearly five times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than females, with reliable diagnoses often taking place before the age of two. Today, more than 3.5 million Americans live with some form of ASD. Studies from 2000 to 2010 found that there were a 119.4% increase in cases of autism in the United States. Nearly 90% of those children diagnosed with ASD are reported to have atypical sensory behaviors, with 5-16% of all school-aged children with some form of a sensory processing disorder.

A Weighted Sensory Blanket

There are a number of products that can help with sensory integration, such as a weighted blanket autism families often use. A weighted sensory blanket offers a soft, yet weighted option with colors and textures that help to contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. The weighted blankets for kids and adults alike offer a closeness that many diagnosed with ASD thrive on. Weighted blanket autism products typically range in price between $60 and $175. Aside from offering a sense of care and security, a weighted blanket can also help patients of ASD develop new skills and get the most out of each day!