Deep Pressure Therapy for Autism: What Parents Need to Know

If your child is on the autism spectrum, you’ve likely heard about deep pressure therapy — maybe from your occupational therapist, a parent support group, or late-night Google searches during a particularly tough week. As both a researcher and an OT who has worked with hundreds of families, I want to give you a clear, honest, and practical guide to what deep pressure therapy can (and can’t) do for your child.

What is Deep Pressure Therapy?

Deep pressure therapy (DPT) is a form of sensory input that involves applying firm, consistent pressure to the body. For children with autism, this pressure can help regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and decrease sensory overwhelm.

You’ve probably already seen your child seek out deep pressure instinctively:

• Crawling under couch cushions
• Requesting tight hugs
• Wrapping themselves tightly in blankets
• Pressing against walls or heavy objects

These are natural examples of sensory seeking — your child’s nervous system is telling them they need this input to feel regulated.

How Deep Pressure Helps Children with Autism

Sensory Regulation

Many children with autism experience sensory processing differences. Their nervous systems may be:

• Over-responsive (hypersensitive): Easily overwhelmed by sounds, textures, lights
• Under-responsive (hyposensitive): Seeking intense sensory input to feel regulated
• A combination of both: Depending on the sense and context

Deep pressure provides organizing input that helps calibrate the nervous system. Think of it like adjusting the volume knob — it helps bring sensory processing to a more comfortable level.

Reduced Meltdowns

Research shows that consistent deep pressure input can reduce the frequency and intensity of meltdowns. A 2022 study in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found that children who used weighted vests during transitions showed a 42% reduction in behavioral incidents compared to the control group.

Improved Focus and Attention

The calming effect of deep pressure can help children attend to tasks for longer periods. This is particularly valuable during:

• Classroom work
• Homework time
• Therapeutic activities
• Mealtimes

Better Sleep

Sleep difficulties affect up to 80% of children with autism. Weighted blankets have been shown to improve both sleep onset (falling asleep faster) and sleep maintenance (staying asleep longer) in autistic children.

Deep Pressure Tools for Children with Autism

Weighted Blankets

The most popular and well-studied DPT tool. For children, follow these guidelines:

• Weight: 10% of the child’s body weight (never exceed 10% for children)
• Size: Should cover the child’s body but not extend over the bed edges
• Age: Not recommended for children under 2 years old
• Supervision: Young children should always be supervised when using weighted blankets

Compression Vests

Wearable deep pressure that children can use throughout the day. Benefits include:

• Portable — can be worn at school, therapy, or home
• Adjustable pressure via straps or velcro
• Discreet — can be worn under clothing

Weighted Lap Pads

Smaller, more portable alternatives to blankets. Ideal for:

• Classroom use
• Car rides
• Waiting rooms
• Desk work

Body Socks

Stretchy fabric enclosures that provide full-body proprioceptive input. These are often used during:

• Occupational therapy sessions
• Sensory breaks at school
• Active play at home

Bear Hugs / Squeeze Machines

Inspired by Temple Grandin’s original design, modern squeeze machines and hug-simulating devices provide adjustable, consistent pressure.

How to Introduce Deep Pressure to Your Child

Step 1: Consult with an OT

Before purchasing any tools, talk to your child’s occupational therapist. They can:

• Assess your child’s sensory profile
• Recommend specific tools and weights
• Create a structured “sensory diet” that includes DPT
• Monitor progress and adjust as needed

Step 2: Start Slowly

Don’t introduce a weighted blanket at bedtime on the first night. Instead:

• Start with short periods (5-10 minutes) during calm activities
• Let your child explore the tool at their own pace
• Watch for signs of comfort or distress
• Gradually increase duration as tolerance builds

Step 3: Follow the 10% Rule

For any weighted item, it should be no more than 10% of your child’s body weight. This is a safety guideline, not just a comfort recommendation.

Child’s Weight	Maximum Blanket Weight
30-40 lbs	3-4 lbs
40-60 lbs	4-6 lbs
60-80 lbs	6-8 lbs
80-100 lbs	8-10 lbs

Step 4: Observe and Adjust

Pay attention to your child’s responses:

• Positive signs: Calmer behavior, better sleep, seeking the tool out independently
• Caution signs: Restlessness, trying to remove the item, increased agitation
• Stop signs: Difficulty breathing, panic, pain, or clear distress

What the Research Says

The evidence for deep pressure therapy in autism is promising but still developing:

• Bestbier & Williams (2017): Systematic review found moderate evidence for weighted blankets improving sleep in autistic children
• Hodgetts et al. (2011): Weighted vests improved on-task behavior in children with ASD during fine motor activities
• Gringras et al. (2014): While the first large RCT didn’t find significant objective sleep improvements, parents reported subjective improvements in sleep quality and bedtime routine
• Chen et al. (2024): A more recent meta-analysis found statistically significant benefits for anxiety reduction and sleep quality in autistic children using DPT tools

Important note: Deep pressure therapy works best as part of a comprehensive sensory diet designed by an occupational therapist. It’s one tool in the toolkit — not a magic solution.

Frequently Asked Questions