Chewing On Clothing

My son chews on his shirt. It starts when he gets a runny nose, we think, and continues sometimes after his nose is clear. we have tried a weighted vest and it really helps decrease the chewing. I am not sure how much weight should be in the vest and how long it should be worn. Is there a specific guideline to follow ? Thanks for your help.

Teresa, Garrett's mom.

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I am first wondering if your son is in OT?? If he is, I am curious why his OT wouldn't have given you this information!? She should be monitoring the use of the weighted vest with your son. If he is NOT in OT, I would suggest he get to one. He really needs to be monitored by a professional if using weight therapeutically. Can you let me know where that stands? If he is/isn't in OT and/or if an OT is monitoring the weighted vest "therapy"? That would really make me feel much better if I knew he was. And, it would really make me concerned if he was and the OT did not give you this information. Lastly, where did your son try the vest out? I would feel so much better if you clarified all of this for me, ok?

Until then, here is some GENERAL information about the amount of weight to use in a weighted vest. But, it really NEEDS to be tailored to your son's specific needs, by a professional, ok?

For information purposes only...

Depending who you talk to you may hear different answers. However, 10% of the child's weight is a "general rule". For example, if the child weighs 60 lbs., his vest would weigh about 6 lbs. Some will tolerate more, some less, and this must be decided upon through careful history, observation, and monitoring by an OT.

Also, opinions vary on how long a weighted vest can/should be worn. Again, please check with HIS OT on this.

www.ot-innovations.com (a leading authority for OT's) states:
"Although there have been guidelines established for how much weight to use, how long, and how often, it is a very individual process. Human beings are very dynamic and what works for one person may or may not necessarily work for another. It is important to work with each person and help them determine what helps and how much intensity is most beneficial during different states over time."

THIS is all the information I can "ethically" share with you, as far as how long to wear it. Again, I direct you to an OT if you will be using any weighted products therapeutically (haha, do you think I stressed THAT enough??)

I look forward to hear more about your situation and any OT involvement, etc. I want to make sure your son is getting the best help possible. You can let me know below in the comments box, ok?

Oh, one more thing... other things that may help are heavy work activities and "chewelry".