Finding The Best Weighted Blanket For Autism

Last Updated: December, 2024

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Weighted blankets may look similar to traditional varieties, but if you look closely under the hood, the weighted blankets have more to offer. The warm, calming and comforting embrace of these blankets is one of the primary reasons occupational therapists use them to calm individuals with autism. Suppose you didn't know, sensory integration theory is one of the factors that brought weighted blankets into the limelight of autistic use. So, if you have a person with an autism spectrum disorder in your care, an occupational therapist may recommend purchasing a weighted blanket. 

Every weighted blanket brand has different construction and material to ensure you get the most out of the blanket. For example, while some blankets use micro–glass beads, others use ceramic microbeads to deliver that deep pressure stimulation. If you want to find more on how weighted blankets will participate in improving sleep quality of your autistic loved one, then continue reading.

Top Weighted Blankets for Autism

Ghostbed Weighted Blanket

If you love the "hug," like the feel of a weighted blanket to help you and your loved ones relax as you sleep, Ghostbed is a suitable option. Due to its deep pressure stimulation, it can help improve sleep quality for those with sleep problems to achieve better sleep.

The puffy weighted blanket is better suited for people with autism who also have respiratory conditions like; asthma. Also, it's deep pressure therapy is a game-changer when it comes to handling sleep-related mental disorders.

As one of the softest yet uniquely made weighted blankets, Nolah is what you need for those with skin sensitivity. Not only does it help an individual drift off quickly, and helps them achieve better sleep at night.

Anchor Weighted Blanket

 The constant comfort and calming embrace of this weighted blanket are truly world-class. If you're caring for children with autism who often drift into feelings of insecurity, then you need this blanket. Its deep pressure stimulation offers feelings of safety and therapeutic effects.

Aricove Weighted Blanket

The Aricove Weighted Blanket is designed to help patients with autism feel calm, comfortable, and secure while also enabling them to fall asleep faster. Its unique construction is meant to imitate DTPS (Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation), which helps in promoting REM sleep, relaxing the nervous system, reducing stress hormones and improving your overall mood.

Layla weighted blanket

If you need a blanket that lowers anxiety in autistic people, then Layla should be among your top picks. The blanket conforms to a person's body to deliver just the right amount of deep pressure for better sleep.

Ghostbed Weighted blanket

What We Like

  • The blanket is audible for people with autism spectrum disorders 
  • Its cover is 100% Tencel
  • Its elegant premium double stitching

What We Don't Like

  • It comes in one weight option 

Overall Thoughts:

If you want a weighted blanket, which will offer your autistic loved one a cool, calm sleeping experience with the effects of deep pressure stimulation, consider adding this Ghostbed blanket to your list of considerations. Its 100% Tencel Lyocell material ensures your autistic child falls asleep quickly, reducing onset sleep latency. Moreover, Tencel's nature makes this weighted blanket a suitable option for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Some of the material's unique properties are; color retention, biodegradability, moisture efficiencies, etc.


One striking feature you'll notice when you see the blanket is its quilted and premium double stitching which makes it looks utterly magnificent. Ghost weighted blankets come in a single weight option (15lbs). According to the Ghostbed design team, they settled for this weight option because it delivers the ideal physiological effects best for calming autistic children and adults. Many individuals who've used this blanket claim its weight is just enough to deliver deep pressure stimulation and calming effects. 


Note that the premium micro glass beads also contribute to the blanket weight. Aside from the deep touch pressure, the micro-glass beads also ensure you stay cool during the summer months. Additionally, the micro beads ensures even weight distribution across the weighted blanket. Lastly, the premium double stitching prevents the micro-glass beads from bunching.  


Remember, the blanket is perfectly sized, making it one of the best 2 person weighted blankets. For people who like to snuggle next to their autistic loved ones, this is definitely the go-to weighted blanket. The hypoallergenic feature of the Ghostbed weight is worth considering the blanket as a suitable choice. So if you have a loved one who's not only autistic but also prone to allergic reactions, rest assured this magnificent weighted blanket will be worth the investment. People with allergies can anticipate less than to no alleging reactions while using this weighted blanket. 


During the summer, you can take advantage of the weighted blanket moisture-wicking feature. While you snuggle up next to your loved one, you don't have to worry about night sweats. The Tencel material ensures sweat evaporates on your skin while delivering a soft touch to the skin. 


What We Like

  • It has ceramic microbeads
  • The blanket is available in 3 weight options 
  • It's machine washable
  • It offers an excellent sleeping experience—courtesy of its deep pressure stimulation
  • Cleaning the weighted blanket is relatively easy 

What We Don't Like

  • Younger children can't use it comfortably

Overall Thoughts:

As one of the best autism weighted blankets, the puffy weighted blanket employs a simplistic yet sophisticated design. One of this blanket's superior features is the double comfort cover. One side is made of a blend of 100% natural Cotton fiber and polyester. For people worried about the comfort of their children with autism during summer seasons, you've found one of the ideal weighted blankets for summer, with this side of the Puffy weighted blanket. 


The blanket's flip side is also made of polyester and cotton blend. The blend consists of soft mink-like fleece material that's gentle and smooth on touch. Since the blanket is suitable for all-season use, this side will help your autistic child stay warm and snuggly during colder seasons. Unlike any typical Weighted blanket for autism, sandwiched between the blanket's layers are micro-ceramic beads instead of glass beads. 


The diamond pattern stitching is one of this blanket's features you'll notice once you set your eyes on the weighted blanket itself. The Diamond stitching prevents the micro-ceramic beads from bunching. Moreover, the stitching is responsible for the blanket's elegant appearance. Remember, the ceramic microbeads' weight is also part of the blanket's weight—an excellent sensory input for children with autism spectrum disorders. Essentially, you'll experience Puffy's deep touch pressure and therapeutic effects, courtesy of the micro-ceramic beads that ensure equal weight distribution across the blanket. 


Generally, the soft texture of this puffy weighted blanket is worth applauding. Not only does the weighted blanket prevent skin irritation, but it also massages your autistic child to make them feel calm and fall asleep faster. According to an NHI study, about 60% and 70% of men and women, respectively, have sensitive skin. So, it is best to avoid beddings with rough textures. Instead, opt for a weighted blanket for autism; suppose a person with autism spectrum disorder is in your care.


Like most autism weighted blankets, puffy is hypoallergenic, non–toxic, and odorless—a beneficial feature for allergic and asthmatic people. The feature ensures. Autistic people with such respiratory conditions get top-notch sleep quality. Notably, it's best to select hypoallergenic beddings when purchasing beddings like a puffy weighted blanket. Apart from improving sleep quality, this weighted blanket is also best for handling attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Click here for more benefits of weighted blankets.


What We Like

  • It's resistant, making it a suitable option for people with allergies.
  • You can use it all season 
  • Its silky soft material is 100% bamboo
  • It's easy to wash

What We Don't Like

  • You can't use a machine to wash the blanket 

Overall Thoughts:

From the name, it's quite obvious that the weighted blanket is made of bamboo material. Construction-wise, this Nolah weighted blanket has a world-class design, which makes it appear sophisticated and elegant. That's because one side appears more shiny and Sparkly than the other. As a crucial centerpiece of the weighted blanket, its usage is flexible—meaning you can use it with or without a duvet cover. If you'd like to coordinate the blanket with your room's decor, you can use any comforter color as per your personal preference. For autistic people who'd like to control the level of softness on their skin, then Nolah is the go-to option. 


The Nolah weighted blanket comes majorly from the micro-glass beads' weight. A significant contributor to the blanket's deep pressure stimulation is its weight from the glass beads. So, autistic people with trouble sleeping should seek out the benefits of this weighted blanket by purchasing it. So long as they use Nolah weighted blanket, such people are bound to experience a significant improvement in their sleep quality. Stitches on this blanket, construction square shape all over the blanket, making its design look spectacularly appealing. Also, these stitches prevent the micro-glass beads from bunching, ensuring equal weight distribution across the weighted blanket.


As a material that sleeps warm for cool nights and cool for warm nights, bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking. According to customer reviews, many found this weighted blanket to be relatively comfortable. Moreover, they recommend it for all-season use because of the material's nature. Nolah weighted blanket has an outer cover made of 100% viscose, a feature that makes the blankets astoundingly breathable.

 

Arguably, bamboo material is among the top softest materials currently on the market. Because this blanket has two sides, you can choose any side depending on your preferred comfort level. One of the two sides is plusher while the other side is silky soft. The silky soft side tends to sleep a bit cooler while the plusher sleep a little warmer. Suppose you're caring for an autistic person; this weighted blanket will go a long way to lift off the task of calming such a person till they fall asleep from your shoulders all year round. 


Related Content: Best weighted blankets for pain

Anchor Weighted Blanket

What We Like

  • Its soft stain-resistant cover is removable
  • It can help people with autism spectrum disorders feel relaxed and also restore their sleep
  • The blanket's inner blanket offers all-season comfort because of its soft cotton wool 

What We Don't Like

  • The inner blanket isn't machine washable 

Overall Thoughts: 

If you're looking for a weighted blanket for autism that offers safer and therapeutic effects for an autistic loved one, look no further than Anchor weighted blanket. It grants autistic people significant improvements in their sleep quality, but it also helps those with sleep disorders sleep well. Unlike most weighted blankets for autism out there, this one comes in three and two weight and size options, respectively. Moreover, they also come in different colors like; flax, smoke, charcoal, and white. That enables you to purchase a blanket as per your personal preference. For example, a color that blends well with your bedroom's decor. 


Deep pressure stimulation from its weight is one of the blanket's complementary features, making it best for children with autism. Most of the blanket's weight comes from the micro–glass beads. The deep touch pressure the blanket applies is a deep pressure therapy essential for decreasing sleep onset latency in children with autism, helping them fall asleep faster. This also helps ensures they experience a significant improvement in their sleep quality. Also, the deep pressure stimulation helps these children with autism improve their classroom performance.


Surprisingly, not only is the blanket stain-resistant and easy to wash, but also hypoallergenic. If you have any children with autism and respiratory conditions such as allergies or asthma, consider purchasing this blanket for them. 


Like most weighted blankets, Anchor has premium stitching that serve two functions; giving the blanket its elegant appearance through its baffle box design. The other function is preventing the glass beads sandwiched between its layers from bunching. Since the blanket is easy to wash and maintain, you can wash the outer blanket in a machine. However, the manufacturer discourages using a machine to wash the outer blanket. Instead, it would be best if you washed it by hand. 

Aricove Weighted Blanket

What We Like

  • Cooling and moisture-wicking cover
  • It has hypoallergenic properties
  • The quality of the material is top notch
  • Machine washable
  • It boasts tiny glass beads that create the needed pressure for relaxation

What We Don't Like

  • It might not suit overweight individuals

Overall Thoughts:

One of the main challenges experienced by individuals with autistic kids is difficulty with their patient's sleeping. This is often due to hyperactivity in the brain or not meeting their sensory needs, which makes it difficult for them to fall asleep. Some individuals on the spectrum need constant deep pressure tactile input to help meet their proprioception needs, and that's where the Aricove Weighted Blanket comes in.

Autistic patients with proprioceptive dysfunction usually rely on sensory input like jumping, or being hugged, or being wrapped around a blanket. For this reason, Aricove Weighted Blankets are great inventions designed to assist individuals with sensory needs.

And the best part of it is that these blankets provide just the right amount of pressure and weight that you need to fulfill your sensory needs. 

Other benefits of using Aricove Weighted Blankets include:

  • Calm nervous system
  • Reduce stress hormones in the body
  • Better sleep quality
  • Release of oxytocin which gives a sense of warmth and security

With this weighted blanket, you get to enjoy the benefits of a pressure blanket that's easy to clean. In addition to being tear resistant, waterproof, and breathable, the Aricove Weighted Blanket comes with unique features and designs for sensory issues. Click here to read full review.

Layla Weighted Blanket

What We Like

  • The blanket's glass beads aren't noisy or toxic
  • Very easy to wash
  • Its fabric construction consists of two sides
  • Its glass bead fillers are non-toxic and noiseless

What We Don't Like

  • The monk side might become hot during the Summers 

Overall Thoughts:

A weighted blanket with a soothing feeling alongside safety and therapeutic effects like Layla is definitely a must-have choice for many parents, especially those caring for children with autism. From the above four reviewed blankets, it's pretty clear that a weighted blanket's construction is a deal-breaker.


The outer shell of this blanket is double-sided, plus it's flippable. One side is made of 100% natural cotton fabric consisting of a thread count of 300. The material of the flip side is the soft Minky 100% polyester. The 300 thread count is just right to ensure the blanket's construction is too flimsy, and neither is the cost too high. 


Layla's added weight is mainly due to the micro-glass beads sandwiched within its layers. The blanket's premium hexagon-shaped stitching prevent the bunching of the glass beads. Generally, the blanket's weight will apply just the right amount of deep pressure on your, say, autistic child's body, giving them a calming effect. The blanket's "hug" like sensation triggers the brain to create melatonin and serotonin, releasing them and making that person feel relaxed. It's because of this feature that the blanket is considered the best weighted blanket for anxiety.


Layla's weighted blanket has two layers. With its two poly-fil batting layers, the beads don't clink against each other or roll around. For those caring for children with autism, who are hot sleepers, this blanket should be among your top picks. Layla comes in 3 different weight options, 15lbs, 20lbs, and 25lbs. Generally, when choosing any typical blanket, especially weighted ones, it's best to choose one whose weight is 10% of your body. For example, In this instance, a person weighing 15lbs is best for a person weighing 150lbs. 


If you're buying it for someone else, ensure you've measured their body weight. If you don't know their body weight, go with the lighter option.


Related Content: Weighted blankets for teenagers

Buyer's Guide: How To Choose The Right Weighted Blanket

Any weighted blanket in this review is a great therapeutic tool for people, including children with autism. Before settling for an option, consider the following factors first. 

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Price

From their sophisticated design and construction, it's pretty clear that they don't come cheap. The price of most weighted blankets exceeds $100. If you're tight on a budget, go for Layla. However, you can opt for Ghostbed or Nolah blanket if you don't mind spending more to get the best.

Fillers

To deliver the right amount of deep pressure stimulation, every weighted blanket uses different fillers. Common fillers include; glass heads, micro-ceramic beads, and plastic pellets. The most preferred fillers are glass beads. The fillers contribute to the general weight and weight distribution of the blanket and ensure a cozy and better sleep. Generally, it would be best to opt for blankets with glass fillers. 

Material type

Different blanket brands use different materials for their products. Cotton is one such fabric common for all these weighted blankets. That's because it is super soft and breathable to provide cozy comfort. The best material to opt for when selecting a weighted blanket is cotton.

Related Content: How to care for a weighted blanket

Closing Thoughts 

Autism Spectrum Disorders, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are just a few conditions these blankets can help you handle. Those caring for younger children with autism shouldn't opt for these blankets for children aged ten and less. The good thing is most weighted blankets have randomized controlled trial to help you choose according. So if you want your autistic child to improve their classroom performance, then selecting a weighted blanket from our collection is a significant stepping stone in that direction. 

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