Sensory Integration with Compression Vests

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder primarily and other diagnoses that involve sensory deficits can induce clients to feel unregulated and seek out sensory input. An input that is common for these clients to seek out is tactile input which can involve variables like deep pressure input. One of the more popular and efficient tools that is utilized for them to achieve this is a Compression Vest.

Compression vests can provide the deep pressure around a child’s body to give them the input they are seeking out through their behaviors. This resource can calm them down when seeking and it will promote focus from the compression to soothe their sensory needs. This can be a vital tool for children in the school setting when they are trying to partake in assignments or classroom activities. The typical child with diagnosis of Autism or children that experience sensory deficits often become very distracted because they are dysregulated with their sensory needs. This can be overwhelming for a child. When you are overwhelmed, it is hard to focus on any task at hand because you are trying to find the harmony within your own body and mind. All these variables should to be taken into consideration when we are observing a child’s behavior in a classroom as an Occupational Therapist.

There are certain types of input when it comes to sensory processing. As Occupational Therapists, we need to know how to address when tactile input is sought out or presented in an avoidant manner. When acknowledging these behaviors, we will know if a compression vest will benefit the specific child or if it’s too much input for the child to handle. When a child, acts calmer and is more attentive to a task with the vest on, then it is providing positive input. If the child begins to experience behaviors like tugging at the vest, tantrums/cries, elopes, or covers eyes/ears in discomfort, then it may not be the best solution for their sensory dysfunction.

As we all know, safety is always a top priority in our practice of Occupational Therapy. There are some precautions to keep in mind when supplying a child with a compression vest. First, we want to make sure it is fitting secure, but not too tight. There are various sizes of the vest to trial for your client. You will want to bring multiple sizes the first time to see which one fits properly. This is because if it does not fit correct, then it is not going to be of any benefit. Second, we need to make sure the child has proper undergarments on. This will eliminate the chance of excessive rubbing or discomfort when wearing the compression vest. Lastly and the most important safety precaution is the time frame of wearing. The recommended time is 30-minute increments for the vest. For example, after a session with 30 minutes, they need to be taken out of the vest and it can later be put on 30 minutes later. This is very important to note because it can cause discomfort if left on too long.

Occupational Therapists pride themselves on being holistic. One way we can be sure to accomplish this with compression vests, is to make sure that the vest is not very distracting or embarrassing to the child. Being an atypical child is a hard enough of job to take on, so we really need to consider how the vest looks. This will help our client’s confidence can stay intact and actually enjoy their time in the vest. Overall, compression vests are a great tool provided to children who are seeking out deep pressure and tactile input. When utilized properly, this vest can increase productivity which can lead to them learning more and growing – and that’s our whole purpose!

 

Outside Resources

Jaime, M. (2018, May 19). The benefits of compression garments for your sensory kid... Miss Jaime, O.T. https://missjaimeot.com/benefits-of-compression/

Weighted Vests and Compression Garments. (2022, September 6). The OT Toolbox. https://www.theottoolbox.com/weighted-vests-and-compression-garments/