The effects of a weighted vest on aggressive and self-injurious behavior in a child with autism. (2nd January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davis, Tonya N.; Dacus, Sharon; Strickland, Erica; Copeland, Daelynn; Chan, Jeffrey Michael; Blenden, Kara; Scalzo, Rachel; Osborn, Staci; Wells, Kellsye; Christian, Krisann
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 16:Number 3(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 210
• Page End: 215
• Publication Date: 2013-01-02
• Subjects: Weighted vests -- challenging behavior -- aggression -- self-injurious behavior -- sensory integration; Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2012.753955
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

Abstract : Objective : Analyse the effects of a weighted vest on the aggressive and self-injurious behavior of a young boy with autism. Methods : The effects of the weighted vest were examined during a functional analysis utilizing an ABAB design with an embedded multielement design, in which the participant wore a five pound weighted vest or no vest. Results : The results do not suggest the existence of a functional relationship between the use of a weighted vest and challenging behavior, as the weighted vest had no marked effect on levels of aggression and self-injurious behavior. Conclusions : Weighted vests are a commonly implemented form of sensory integration therapy, frequently used as a treatment for disruptive behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder [Stephenson J, Carter M. The use of weighted vests with children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities 2009;39:105–114]. However, the current findings support previous literature which states that the use of weighted vests does not appear to decrease challenging behavior.