Weighted Vest

Soon after I finished the last post I made Ethan a weighted vest. They cost anywhere from

70-150$. It seems anything therapeutic, especially when a disability is involved, is so expensive. So I did a little online research and made my own. Here is my first attempt.

I started with a normal vest pattern and substituted a zipper for buttons.

Before I sewed the lining to the shell I sewed pockets with Velcro closures into the lining.

I made 8 pouches full of rice and made them so they are just small enough to fit into each pocket. I weighed each pouch so they are 4 oz each. The vest weighs 2 lbs. I used rice instead of poly pellets, which are basically small plastic washable beads, because poly pellets are expensive, and rice is practically free. This way I can just pull all the pouches out when I wash it.

The first time I put it on him a huge smile spread across his face and he wouldn't take it off for two days, even sleeping in it. It seems to be helping him immensely, especially when we are out in public. He wears it to school everyday. He loves it. We went to the fair and he was wearing his sunglasses, vest, and earplugs. He was happy and relaxed. Not anxiety ridden like he was at Disneyland.

With the success of this endeavor I decided to make two more.

Another one for school.

I made him this one for church. It has a Velcro closure but I sewed buttons on top. I don't really like how the weights pull at the fabric and make the vest pucker at the bottom, but I didn't want to use fabric that was too heavy for fear that Ethan would get too hot wearing it. I'll have to play around with it a little.

In addition to the weighted vest medication has been changed. Also we took everything out of his room except his bed. His dresser and books and some of his toys are all in his closet. We wanted to give him a quiet, calming place to relax. We are looking for a rocking chair to put in his room because he likes to rock in them when he's frustrated, or sad. His good days have far outnumbered his bad days lately. I totally claim that as a success.

Also he might be put in a special class for autistic kids since he is having such a hard time in a normal class. The great thing about the class is the curriculum is the same but the environment is very controlled. It is very quiet, the lights are low, and there are only 5 kids in the class. The teacher is trained to deal with kids like Ethan. In fact the teacher has a son who is autistic.

Also, we went to the open house at school and Mr. Blessing, the principle, came up to us (he knows us all too well) and told us he was praying for us. I really love that man. His name fits him because that is what he has been for us. He is a really Christ like man and he shows it in how he cares for and serves his students and his community.

Boo

Ethan had another bad day but, I don't feel so down. Nuerologist has been called, and I will be making Ethan a weighted vest and blanket. I ain't going to wait for the school to order one. And when they finallly do he'll have two.

Update

Ethan had a great day!!!!!! I know it is a result of all the prayer, love, and good thoughts coming our way by all you wonderful people out there. Thank you so much for all of your kind words and support. I love you all. I think his great day today will give me fuel. This makes me so happy. When he got home he got to put a sticker on a behavior chart and a happy face on a calendar. All the kids got Popsicles. They get one every time they have a good day. We can't just reward Ethan for having a good day and not the others so Lorin and Brynn pretty much get one every afternoon. I don't care if it is bribery if it results in having a good day at school so be it. An aid who had a lot of experience with autistic kid came in to help out today. It totally helped. the teacher also didn't make him go to music class, which for most kids would be fun, but for Ethan, a room full of noisy kids singing and piano playing is not a good time. Also, some of the time the teacher taught she let him lay in between two bean bag chairs instead of having to sit on the rug. He loved it and still totally got everything. We'll see how tomorrow goes. Even if it's bad I can always remember today and know that things will get better.

Yesterday Ethan was sent home from school again. This is a pretty common occurrence around here. As I was standing there in the principles office and Ethan tried explaining to the principle and I why he acted out I made the realization that even though Ethan can hear and speak and see he can't communicate. Whenever I would ask him why he got angry, or why he tried to run away (his new thing, which is completely frightening) or why he tried to hurt his teacher he would respond that his heart stops working after long school. When I explained to him that if his heart stopped working he would be dead he said when he gets angry his heart slows down. He also said that his brain doesn't work when he goes to school and makes him angry. Then he said "there's something wrong with my brain." He's starting to realize he's different. It was then that I realized how much of a problem he really has. It was then that I realized I really have no idea what is going on inside of his brain and he has no way to express it to me. That is so completely heart breaking for me. He tries and tries and tries to communicate but I have no idea what he's trying to say. I don't know why school makes him so upset. I don't know why he gets so angry and frustrated. I just want to help him but I don't know how. I have no point of reference. I can't identify because I have no idea how his little brain works and he just can't express it to me in ways I understand.

I don''t think I've ever known such sadness. I didn't know it was possible.