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 Weighted Blanket Pattern

Donna

Affordable Weighted Blankets

Autism from a parents point of view

Austism Solution Center

Autism Society of Middle Tennessee

AutismList.com

Prainito Pediatric Therapy

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:

1. White Noise- Use an air purifier or a fan for white noise.
2. Prevent Distractions- Heavy curtains, thick carpets, and making sure the door doesn’t squeak.
3. 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.
4. Sunlight- Expose your child to sunlight in the morning to regulate the body’s production of melatonin.
5. Supplements- Ask your MD about supplementing with melatonin, it can help normalize the sleep-wake cycle  in children with autism.
6. Heavy Play- Playing with weighted toys, carrying a heavy backpack, pushing, pulling, etc. before bedtime.
7. Epsom Salts Baths- Try giving your child Epsom Salts Baths before bed.  Don’t let them drink the bath water!
8. Bedtime Schedule- Create a PEC’s Bedtime Schedule to hang on the wall and use it daily.
9. 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.
10. 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.

My grandson, David, with his weighted blanket

This is my grandson David with his weighted blanket. After he was diagnosed with autism, the family was looking for a quality weighted blanket so he could sleep through the night. I couldn’t find any quality ones which were affordable, so I made one for him myself with the help of my good friend, Carol in the quilting room of our church.

After I saw how well it worked for him, I started making them for others.  Eventually they became so popular that I started the online store, Affordable Weighted Blankets.   There are now  5 ladies and 3 men that make up the Affordable Weighted Blankets Team.  We all either attend or are closely connected to the St. Elmo Avenue Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN.  A lot of love and care go into every blanket we make, and we pray for every recipient of our special blankets before they are sent on their way.  We consider it our ministry to provide quality, affordable weighted items for the people that are comforted by their use.

Donna