We’re going over sensory issues in adult-diagnosed autism therapy. The therapist suggested I find ways to feel squeezed/hugged. So far, I’ve intuitively been using:
- a weighted blanket (I use blankets whenever I can)
- a backpack with my laptop zipped up tight nearly everywhere I go
I can’t stand tight clothes, so that’s not going to be helpful.
Any other ideas?
I’ll note ideas up here as users comment.
Edit: I really appreciate everyone’s suggestions. I, a man in my early 40s, bought a 4 lbs dinosaur plushie. It is AMAZING!! I sit at my computer desk, place my legs on the desk in a lounge position, put the plushie on my lap, and use my desktop computer. I feel so much more comfortable and secure. It’s impressive. Thank you!
Other recommendations:
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weighted vest - I want to find one in person before I purchase it. In the meantime, I’ve been going everywhere with my backpack which helps a little.
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posture corrector - I haven’t tried it yet, but maybe I will later on.
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hoodies/coats - I definitely love hoodies, but can’t use them right now. It’s wayyyy too hot, but come winter, I’m going to be Mr. Hoodie.
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the therapist - She’s too professional to violate ethical boundaries, which is why I like her. I mean, if she got risque with me, I might like that too (sensation seeking), but it might cause problems with my mental health and social boundaries down the line. It’s probably best to not think of her that way and stick to the roles we’re playing. This recommendation and response to it are a joke.
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I wear a posture corrector similar to this one that may give you the sensation you’re looking for. Plus the added bonus of fixing your posture.
That’s not a bad idea just for my poor posture alone.
Would a weighted vest be too constricting? They come in different styles and the ability to add or subtract weights.
that’s what she said she suggests to kids, but then said that may be inadequate for an adult.
There seems to be two choices: compression vests, which do come in adult sizes, and weighted vests for working out, which is what I was thinking of. It looks like you can get one at Walmart for $26 or so that can be weighted up to 110 lbs. Hope that’s helpful!
I’m gonna have to go to a store and try one on to see how it feels. Until now, I’ve been intuitively attempting to meet this need by always carrying a backpack with me.
I have a big plushie that i like to hug. While it doesnt feel like a person physically hugging you it still feels nice.
Ooh! I like this. Im going to look for one to put on the couch. Hmm…what animals/characters do I like? 🤔
I got someone like this. He is going in my backpack so I can take him everywhere. I’m never alone :)
I have a favorite hoodie that does it for me. It was my wife’s first gift to me so there’s sentimental value and it’s really comfortable because it’s so old. Buy a size larger than you normally get to avoid tightness and buy something a little more expensive for the quality (so it lasts longer) and softness (I’m assuming you don’t like rough clothes).
I love hoodies! But, right now it’s too hot in Florida to wear them. The a/c can’t even keep up :/
And you’re right! I cannot stand rough clothes. I even get soft jeans,
That’s tough then, maybe a stuffed animal as others have suggested, or something with sentimental value, like a metaphorical hug?
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There’s always the therapist!
J/K, the therapist might not care for that lol 😝could you be just a little more specific? are talking toothpaste, charmin, downy, ketchup bottle, your significant other? tiny teddy bear? I’m just riffing here, in the absence of guidance.
Yeah, the therapist would definitely not like that lol.
I’m looking for anything that could give the sensation of being squeezed, hugged, or wrapped because that may help with keeping me calm. Other people are not an option.
Elasticated luggage belt
how to use this? do you put it over your arms and across your back?
Personally I don’t use it, but I would have a few options. Wearing it like a belt anywhere along the central mass of the body would give some pressure, as well and around any limb. Because the belt is much wider than other belts it should reduce the constriction of blood flow. Alternative uses could include going over the shoulders in a loop to allow pressing out with the hands like a push up, allowing a varying pressure.
A thick poncho?
for me what helps aside from hugging myself, is a heavy winter or rain coat. (I’ve got a sailing jacket that I love for both the weight and how it keeps me dry in all circumstances.) And those I always miss during the warm summer days.
but alas, i live in Florida 🥵
that might make it more difficult indeed to find some heavy weighted jackets to wear.
If I lived in Florida instead of Norway I’d want a wearable cooling-vest, though I wouldn’t dare to actually walk around in one. Maybe OP is braver.
It could be heavy and tight, and make you far less hot.
If it’s built into a tech wear jacket that looks good on him, maybe he could even get away with it?
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