Weighted Belt for Autism?
ORLANDO, Fla. — Autism strikes one in 150 children. The disorder often causes kids to be less aware of their bodies, making it difficult to navigate a room without bumping into things. Now, a new device is restoring that awareness. Some call it a miracle, while others say it isn’t a cure. Angel Diaz looks like a typical 8-year-old, but he’s come a long way. Angel has autism.
“Typical kids, they do a lot of things, but it’s more hard for us because we have to teach him in different ways,” Angel’s mom, Hilsia, explained. “They don’t learn in the same way the other kids learn.” As part of his treatment routine, Angel gets occupational therapy three times a week. During the therapy, he wears a weighted belt.
The belt causes muscles to feel tension and sends that information to the brain, helping kids become more aware of their body and feel more in control. “It is amazing, sometimes, how a little bit of weight around the waist makes a big difference in some of the children,” Sue Horwath, a pediatric physical therapist at Optimum Rehab in Lake Mary, Fla., told Ivanhoe.
The belt has made a difference for Angel. “When he’s wearing the belt, he’s much more grounded,” Donna Urbina, an occupational therapist at Optimum Rehab, explained to Ivanhoe. “He’s much more focused.” However, some experts say the belt shouldn’t be called a “miracle.” “That can be helpful to some children, but it’s not helpful for all children, and it certainly is not a miracle cure for any childhood disorder,” Leslie Gavin, Ph.D., a pediatric psychologist from Nemours Children’s Clinic in Orlando, Fla., told Ivanhoe. While it may not be a cure, Hilsia says it’s worth it. “I think everything we do with him is part of his miracle,” she said. It’s helping her son get back to being a kid. The miracle belt weighs between one and three pounds, depending on the weight of the child. It can be worn for several periods of time throughout the day. Experts typically recommend 20-30 minute sessions.
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For Information Contact:
Sue Horwath, PT
Optimum Rehab
Lake Mary, FL
(321) 363-7620
optimumreh@aol.com
Autism Monthly support group for those affected by autism. Various topics & speakers ranging from diet, therapy, & advocacy, etc. Pasco County 1st Tue 5740 Moog Rd. Monica Bice 727-945-0947 link email
