Many of us that have PDD, autistic, or ADHD kids either at home or school know the value of a weighted vest. However, we don’t all have one. Our OT at school gave me this great idea that has been invaluable this year! Take a backpack and fill it with 10% of the child’s body weight. I used composition notebooks. Then when that child is in obvious need of some “heavy” work put the backpack on for 5 or 10 minutes. It has really helped my child in my classroom. She comes in flapping and bouncing unable to sit. I put the backpack on her and send her with an envelope down to our counselor to deliver an “important message.” By the time she comes back she is ready to sit down for a little while and read, write, whatever.
It’s a great quick fix.
Thanks for this idea. I am going to use it.