Weighted vests for autism are a great way to help calm and relax your child, as well as weighted compression vests. Both serve the same purpose b– to help your child focus, concentrate, and remain calm in most situations. But choosing the right vest can be hard.
Finding the right weighted vest for your child is important. You want them to be comfortable and secure, so we must make sure we get the right size, shape and design to suit their needs. Good news is, we have put in all the hard work and brought you the best reviews for both weighted vests and weighted compression vests for autism.
Comparison Table
| Fun and Function's Weighted Compression Vest | Our Rating (4.9 / 5) | Our Reviews |
| Jr. Cool VestTM (Child's Weighted Vest) | Our Rating (4.7 / 5) | Our Reviews |
| Fun and Function's Weighted Vest Autism | Our Rating (4.5 / 5) | Our Reviews |
| Fun and Function's Fur Weighted Vest | Our Rating (4.5 / 5) | Our Reviews |
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Weighted Vest & Weighted Compression Vest for Autism
Each child is unique and different, just like their needs for a weighted vest. To help determine these needs, consider the following:
- When and where is your child going to wear his or her vest the most? Determining this can help you choose the appropriate vest for the location. If your child is going to be at school or with someone else other than family, you might consider choosing a vest that is easier to use.
- What activities is your child going to be doing while wearing the vest? Will they be wearing the vest in class, out shopping, at home, or running around in it? If you child is going to mostly stationary in a relaxing environment, most vests can be used. However, if your child is going to be a bit more active (or possibly overheats easily), we would recommend taking a look at weighted vests that offer air flow and breathability.
- Consider the weight you need for your child. Although there is no official ruling on what is the right weight, it is recommended that you aim for 5% – 10% of your child’s body weight. Some vests will come with preset weights while others will let you add or subtract weight. If in doubt, please speak with your child’s occupational therapist or a doctor regarding the appropriate weight.
- Does your child have any sensory aversions to touch? This is important as some vests will have different textures to them.
With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at the best weighted vests for autism.
The Best Weighted Vest for Autism Reviews
Fun and Function’s Blue Weighted Compression Vest
This vest comes with all the features and benefits of a weighted vest but also with compression. The compression feature offers a sense of security – like a big hug. It comes in 6 sizes, ranging from very small child to adult.
Fun and Function’s blue weighted compression vest is designed to be very easy to use. With velcro straps to adjust the fit for your child, putting it on and taking it off couldn’t be easier.
The weights slip into secure pockets in the vest and can removed for adjustment. Each vest comes with a total of 2 pounds of weight in a variation of half pound weights and quarter pound weights.
This vest is also available in red. Check out Red Weighted Compression Vest for Kids & Adults. Both colors are unisex and suitable for both girls and boys.
| Pros: • Has mesh sides for cooling down and air circulation. • 6 sizes available. • Easily fastened with hooks and velcro. • Machine washable and easy to care for. • Nice appearance in color and style. | Cons: • Sizing runs a little bigger to normal sizing. • Velcro can cause some wear and tear to the vest. |
Jr. Cool VestTM Weighted Vest Autism
The Jr. Cool weighted vest for kids is certainly a lot cooler with its unique athletic design. Made from a soft sports mesh, this vest is as flexible as it is versatile. The soft mesh allows for your child to keep cool and prevents him or her from overheating.
This vest is held in place with a zipper in the front and a velcro belt. The belt can be done up in the front or back. The velcro design also allows for growth and changes in your child’s body and will easily adapt.
This autism weighted vest comes with 11 half pound weights that can be added or removed as desired. The weights can fit into any of the 11 pockets in the vest.
| Pros: • Mesh allows for airflow through the vest. • Removable weights. • Flexible weights – are not stiff in the vest. • Velcro on the vest allows for room to grow. • Chest straps worn in the front or back of vest. | Cons: • Zipper can be easy to undo for kids. |
Fun and Function’s Pink Weighted Vest for autism
This soft and smooth to touch weighted vest for autism is a great companion for all girls, ages 2 – 11. It comes in 3 different sizes, small, medium, and large. It has a smart casual look to it as well as being a nice pink color, meaning your young lady can wear this vest without feeling self conscious or out of place.
The material is made from a cotton/poly blend, giving the overall feel of the vest soft and smooth. Inside the vest are pockets for the weights to sit in. These weights are easily removed or added.
The vest comes with 2 pounds of weights but more weights can be purchased if you need it. Please note, you may require more weights if purchasing a larger size for an older/bigger child. This vest is secured to your child with hooks and loops running down each side of the vest. Additional snap closures are on the front of the vest for additional fitting.
| Pros: • Machine washable • Comes in 3 sizes • Stylish pink color for girls. • Smooth to touch. • Easy and quick removal of vest. | Cons: • Some find the sizing to be slightly larger than 'average.' |
Fun and Function’s Medium Blue Fur Weighted Vest
This weighted vest for autism is a great option for boys and girls alike, coming in a dark blue color. It is stylish and doesn’t grab attention, giving your child comfort and security while not feeling alienated.
This vest is made from faux fur, adding an extra sensory value of touch. Another great feature of this vest is that it has a concentrated area of weights in the shoulders. This helps provide your child with comforting pressure throughout their body.
| Pros: • The soft material adds sensory touch. • Stylish design to help with self consciousness. • Shoulder weights to provide pressure throughout the body. | Cons: • Make of the vests are a bit smaller. |
Tips for Wearing a Weighted Vest
Now that we have covered some of the best weighted vests on the market for kids with autism, let’s take a look 
at some tips to make your child’s experience with his vest a pleasant one.
Ease your child into the transition of wearing the vest. A lot of children with sensory issues revolt against the change initially. Integrating a new sensory technique may take some time for your child to adjust.
So, take it slow, listen and watch for your child’s progress and reactions. They may not like it initially, but after being reassured that it makes them feel good, they will come around.
The vests are not designed to be worn permanently or for long periods of time. So, unless instructed otherwise by your occupational therapist or doctor, we advise that you not leave your child in his or her vest for their own safety and comfort.
We advise that you speak to your occupational therapist to help you set up a routine with the vest. This will not only help you but also help your child with stable structure of set times for the vest to be worn. This is turn will make it easier for you to coax your little one into wearing it.
Conclusion
We hope we have provided you with more knowledge and information to help you find the best weighted vest for autism or weighted compression vest for autism. It can be a daunting process to find the right one but by following our tips and suggestions, and understanding your child’s needs, you are sure to find one with ease.
You should also check this post if you want more information about items that help with autism: 4 Ways Weighted Blanket Can Help With Autism and Anxiety
