The Impact of Weighted Blankets on the Sleep and Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults

PURPOSE: Autism is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social and communication skills, restrictive interests, repetitive behavior, and sensory processing issues. Autistic adults commonly experience sensory processing and sleep issues, which interfere with participation and performance in daily occupations and diminish health and life satisfaction (Ballester et al., 2019; Deserno et al., 2019). Weighted blankets have emerged as popular self-intervention tools among people with disabilities, such as autism, despite limited research evidence to support their efficacy (Ackerley, Badre, & Olausson 2015; Collins & Dworkin, 2011; Champagne et al., 2015; Gringras et al., 2014; Olson & Moulton, 2004). This qualitative study explored how autistic adults experience sensory and sleep issues and how weighted blankets may aid in participation in sleep and daily activities. Knowledge gained about the sleep and sensory experiences of autistic adults may help to improve and construct occupational therapy interventions to encourage participation and improve sleep, sensory experiences, and everyday function.

DESIGN: This qualitative study employed an online survey of open-ended questions via Qualtrics, to explore the impact of weighted blankets on sleep and sensory experiences of autistic adults. Autistic adults were recruited from closed, online, social media support groups and communities. Qualitative data was analyzed using grounded theory until saturation was reached. Multiple researchers and data collection from multiple sources ensure rigor, triangulation, and trustworthiness of data.

METHOD: Following approval from the Institutional Review Board, participants were recruited from Twitter, two closed Facebook support group communities, and an Internet community of autistic adults. The recruitment message directed participants to a survey of open-ended questions housed on Qualtrics. Inclusion criteria included adults, 18 years of age or older, who were diagnosed by a healthcare provider or self-identity as autistic. Participants gave implied consent by acknowledging consent on the screen before taking the survey. They responded to demographic questions and seven open-ended questions about their current sleep and sensory experiences, and how the use of their weighted blanket affects these experiences. Participants were encouraged to share as much detail as they desired. Three researchers analyzed the data and coded themes through an iterative, inductive, and deductive process. Two experienced qualitative researchers, one of whom is a subject matter expert, reviewed developed themes. Data was analyzed until saturation was reached

RESULTS: 16 participants met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Participants include 14 females, one male, and one non-binary, between the ages of 18 and 43. The voices of autistic adults report using their weighted blanket during sleep and leisure activities to increase relaxation after stressful or over-stimulating experiences.

Autistic adults report sensory issues that hinder their participation in daily occupations, which supports the need for occupational therapy intervention. An interesting finding for the occupational therapy community is that autistic adults report experiencing an increase in sleep quality and a decrease in sleep disruption while using weighted blankets to sleep, so occupational therapists may want to recommend weighted blankets to autistic adults.

IMPACT STATEMENT: Autistic adults can benefit from occupational therapy intervention beyond childhood. Weighted blankets can provide a powerful intervention tool for occupational therapy practice with autistic adults to address sensory and sleep issues, and the stress from everyday life.

References

Ackerley, R., Badre, G., & Olausson, H. (2015). Positive effects of a weighted blanket on insomnia. Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders, 2(3), 1-7.

Champagne, T., Mullen, B., Dickson, D., & Krishnamurty, S. (2015) Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the weighted blanket with adults during an inpatient mental health hospitalization, occupational therapy in mental health, 31:3, 211-233. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2015.1066220

Collins, A. & Dworkin, R. J. (2011). Pilot study of the effectiveness of weighted vests. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65: 688–694. doi:10.5014/ajot.2011.000596

Olson, L. & Moulton, H. (2004). Occupational therapists’ reported experiences using weighted vests with children with specific developmental disorders. Occupational Therapy International, 11(1): 52-66.