http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8281008
20/20 Story on Carly, Autistic Girl Finds Her Voice
August 9th, 2009David Plays In T-Ball League
June 22nd, 2009
This spring David’s mother Sarah started a T-Ball league for children with disabilities so David could play. (Photo at right with Sarah and David).
There was an article, “T-ball league considered for kids with disabilities”, in the Herald News covering the story.
Since this article was written they went on to play the season. You will see David at right in uniform for this season.
Now that the season is over, the mothers of these children are thinking of what they may do next.
Photo provided courtesy of Sam’s Photography
Free Pattern for Weighted Blanket or Lap Pad
April 29th, 2009If you are really interested in a DIY weighted blanket, check out my pattern available here:
Donna
The Face of Austism
April 9th, 2009This is a great video. It shows the first five years in the life of Quinn: a wonderful, exuberant, mostly non-verbal boy with autism. You can see how the signs appeared over time, even before his diagnosis was made at 21 months.
Autism from a parents point of view
April 2nd, 2009This is a great video.
Autism from a parents point of view
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
April 2nd, 2009This is a list of Frequently Asked questions for Affordable Weighted Blankets
- How do I decide what the correct weight to use is? Your best option is to ask your occupational therapist for a recommendation. If that is not an option, we recommend using this formula: For a crib/toddler blanket, 10% of the body weight plus one pound. For a medium size blanket, 10% of the body weight plus 2 pounds.
- What size blanket is the right size? Medium blankets are usually 3.5”x 6” and will fit a child 5-6 yrs old up to an average size adult. If you do not have a recommendation from your Occupational Therapist, figure the weight at 10% of the body weight plus 2 lbs (for medium size).crib/toddler size blankets are appropriate for babies up to approximately 4yrs of age. They are sized 36″ x 52″. If you have not consulted your OT for a weight recommendation, we suggest 10% of the body weight plus one pound for this size blanket.
- What is used inside of the blankets? For weight, we use plastic pellets that are used to make toys. They are hypo-allergenic and non-toxic. We also add Polyfil (pillow stuffing) to our blankets to make them soft and cushiony. You can ask to have this left out if you prefer. Weighted wraps do not have polyfil.
- What type of material do you use? We use 100% cotton fabrics. You can ask to have 100% cotton flannel used on the back side of your blanket at no additional cost.
- What shipping service do you use? FedEx Ground, and occasionally USPS.
- What are your shipping costs? Your shipping costs are calculated at checkout according to your zip code.
- Do you accept PO #’s? Yes, we do. Place your order as usual, and at the payment portion choose “check” for your payment. You will then need to contact us with your PO number for us to complete and ship your order. 423-618-1822 or donna@affordableweightedblankets.comPlease mail check payments and PO’s to:
Affordable Weighted Blankets
801 Wilcox Road
Chattanooga TN 37419PO’s can also be faxed to: 866-211-1236
- How do you wash your blankets and wraps? Machine wash separately on gentle cycle in warm or cold water. Tumble dry low. If your blanket has bright colors that might run, wash the first time in cold water with 1 cup of salt to set the colors.For flannel, use fabric softener or 1 cup white vinegar in the rinse water to soften flannel and help remove pilling.
- Why does it say “no polyfil” when you choose 0-12 mos? Thick, comforter-like blankets are not recommended for children under 12 mos of age because they are a suffocation hazard. If we know that your child is not over 12 mos, we will leave out the polyfil (this is like pillow stuffing).
More Customer Testimonials
April 2nd, 2009
December 20, 2008
I got the blanket today. It is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! I was so touched as well to know that my little girl was prayed for!!! That means a lot! Thank You and God Bless! I have attached a couple of pictures of Makenzie sound asleep with her new blanket! Thank you!!!!!
Pam
Customer Testimonials
April 2nd, 2009
Thank you so much for the time and effort you had to put forth to make my little guy a blanket. It is truly wonderful and it is working already. I have attached a couple pictures for you to see him with it. It is GORGEOUS and he really likes the fish on it. I’m glad we decided to do a heavier one because he seems to really settle down with it. We’re going to push for it to become his security blanket so he can use it while he “works” too.
Thanks again. You are a godsend.
Helpful Resources
April 2nd, 2009Below are some helpful resources that I have found for parents with children who have autism or other sensory integration disorders.
Top 10 Ways to Get Your Autistic Child to Sleep
March 27th, 2009Many parents and caregivers of someone on the Autism Spectrum know what it is like to be short on sleep! For some reason, sleep disturbance is a common problem with autism.
Parents have told me so many stories about their children’s unusual sleep habits. Some children literally wander the house or their room all night long.
Recently I talked to a lady who would find her son sleeping in the closet. She was concerned and tied the bifold closet doors closed to keep him out, but he lifted them off the tracks at the bottom and crawled under the doors to get in!
My own grandson woke in the night one night and wedged himself underneath our bed. We were hysterical with panic the next morning until we found him sleeping peacefully under our bed! Obviously these boys both liked the small, confined spaces, and you are better off going with that than fighting against it! If they are not feeling safe and comfortable in their bed, they are probably not going to sleep there or stay there. My grandson stopped getting up at night after we started implementing some of the following tips:
- White Noise- Use an air purifier or a fan for white noise.
- Prevent Distractions- Heavy curtains, thick carpets, and making sure the door doesn’t squeak.
- Try a Tent- Let your child try sleeping in a pup tent in a sleeping bag, many will love the small space. You can also find “bed tents” made just for this purpose by searching online.
- Sunlight- Expose your child to sunlight in the morning to regulate the body’s production of melatonin.
- Supplements- Ask your MD about supplementing with melatonin, it can help normalize the sleep-wake cycle in children with autism.
- Heavy Play- Playing with weighted toys, carrying a heavy backpack, pushing, pulling, etc. before bedtime.
- Epsom Salts Baths- Try giving your child Epsom Salts Baths before bed. Don’t let them drink the bath water!
- Bedtime Schedule- Create a PEC’s Bedtime Schedule to hang on the wall and use it daily.
- Ban Stimulants Before Bedtime- Don’t give your child caffeine, sugar, or anything with additives 2 hours before bedtime. Autistic children can be especially sensitive to stimulants and food additives.
- Weighted Blankets- A weighted blanket can be a lifesaver for your child and the entire family. You can find quality, washable weighted blankets at Affordable Weighted Blankets.