Deep Pressure Therapy Mat

This exceptional functional form therapeutic aid was ergonomically designed to calm reorganize and redirect the energy of children and adults living with autism or who are cognitively disabled and would benefit from deep pressure therapy.

Deep pressure therapy mat.

An acupressure mat also sometimes called a needle stimulation pad nsp is covered with hundreds of plastic nubs. Use the mat for 20 to 40 minutes. The increased production of serotonin and dopamine counteract the effects of cortisol to hormonally regulate your body s response to sensory information. Put it in your child s lap while you are playing a social game or doing homework.

If the pain is too great lay a towel over the spikes to relieve some of the pressure. Deep pressure can be given as positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors but should not be withheld as a punishment. How deep pressure stimulation works. Position a small bolster or pillow under your neck.

When you apply deep pressure to the body the body switches from running its sympathetic nervous system to its parasympathetic nervous system. The use of a weighted vest provides the child with unconscious information from the muscles and joints. Mummy wrap wrap the child up tightly in a sheet or blanket like a mummy tucking the ends of the material in. An occupational therapist can offer further information and training regarding deep pressure as a way to manage spd.

The sympathetic nervous system sns is the alert system in the body. Deep pressure touch stimulation is easily achieved. Bear hugs give a big hug wrapping arms all the way around the child while maintaining constant and firm pressure. A weighted lap pad will promote calm and relaxation because it delivers consistent and gentle pressure.

These small bulges deliver pressure to parts of the body in contact with the. Don t sleep on your mat or extend your treatment time much beyond 40 minutes. This is the so called switch from fight or flight to rest and digest. The only thing you need is a weighted lap pad.

If deep pressure is given during meltdowns or other problem times it can reinforce inappropriate behavior. At a physiological level deep pressure therapy helps the two main systems in the autonomic nervous system balance each other out so as to help with emotional regulation. The concept of the deep pressure sensory vest is based on the sensory integration therapy technique of deep pressure.