If you know someone who suffers from Autism, Neurological Disorders, Anxiety, Sensory Processing Disorder, or even just Restless Legs, you will want to read further. I am reviewing Harkla's weighted Lap Pad on the blog today!
Silas, as most who follow us know suffered a traumatic brain injury at birth, resulting in multiple diagnosis, the main one being Cerebral Palsy. He is affected in all four quadrants of his body but he has the ability to move and is a very active little boy. He is in constant motion. Even when he is strapped into his wheelchair he still tries to run in place. Silas moves so much and so fast that he often tends to over work his muscles. They can become inflamed easily but his brain is not able to turn the switch off for him to stop moving even when he is uncomfortable. When he is suffering from behavioral outbursts he seems like he is in fast forward and works himself into a sweaty angry mess. This is where weighted blankets and lap pads come in handy!
Silas, as most who follow us know suffered a traumatic brain injury at birth, resulting in multiple diagnosis, the main one being Cerebral Palsy. He is affected in all four quadrants of his body but he has the ability to move and is a very active little boy. He is in constant motion. Even when he is strapped into his wheelchair he still tries to run in place. Silas moves so much and so fast that he often tends to over work his muscles. They can become inflamed easily but his brain is not able to turn the switch off for him to stop moving even when he is uncomfortable. When he is suffering from behavioral outbursts he seems like he is in fast forward and works himself into a sweaty angry mess. This is where weighted blankets and lap pads come in handy!
If you are familiar with someone affected by autism, you might know that weighted blankets are a staple in many of their worlds as well. I was first offered a weighted blanket from a mother in my community who has two children affected by autism. She read a little about Silas and suggested that one might help him to sleep better at night. Since then we have used them often, especially during his behavioral episodes. Weighted blankets, lap pads and clothes all help to calm your central nervous system. They give the user deep pressure and input to help them relax. There is a rule of thumb when it comes to using anything weighted. You need to make sure you are purchasing the right one based on the users age and body weight. Harkla's website provides an easy to use chart to determine which product will be right for you. Harkla offers three different products, their weighted blanket, weighted lap pad and pod hanging sensory swing. Silas trialed the 5 Pound weighted Lap Pad.
Harkla's weighted lap pad is 21 x 19 inches in size. I like the size because it covers the full length of his legs, but can also be folded in half and draped over his thighs for more weight distributed to one area. When he is sitting in his wheelchair he often tries to hyper extend and kick in his chair even when strapped in. With the weight over his thighs he is getting the input he needs and it is also working to calm him to allow his legs to relax. He needs this reminder since his brain cannot relay the message to be still. The lap pad comes in handy for traveling and on the go use when a blanket is too big and bulky to bring along. We will often keep one in the car to have it handy to use when he needs the input. Harkla uses amazing, soft material to make their blankets and lap pads with. Both sides are made out of the soft minky fabric. One side is smooth and one side is textured. This is helpful for those who need sensory stimulation. It has a polka dot look to it, and feels bumpy to the touch. The only downside to the minky fabric is that it tends to get very warm in the summer. Otherwise it is so warm and comfortable! The products have weight evenly distributed in pockets that are sewn into the fabric. This helps keep the weight even throughout instead of all spilling to one corner. They use Poly Pellets to fill them. They feel like little tiny beadlets, again helpful for those who need to stim and fidget to calm. The product is very well made and when you see it in person you can tell it will hold up! It is very durable, yet so playful and fun looking!
The lap pad we trialed was the green and blue combo. Both very appealing fun colors, the green side Silas loves because he has always loved the color green, and the blue side very calming to look at. I like that the fabrics are a solid color. Solid colors are easier for those who are visually impaired. Silas has CVI and it's important to offer toys and books to him against a solid colored background rather than a busy patterned background. He often will play with toys in his lap because it's easiest for him to access them with his limited use of his arms and hands. So it is an extra perk that he can still play with toys and look at books while using his lap pad and not getting overstimulated. The colored fabric is also fun and inviting to peers who see him in his wheelchair. It makes it look more like an everyday blanket rather than a piece of "equipment" for his medical needs. Most who get their hands on trying them out often want one for themselves after! The minky fabric also holds up really well when washed. It still remains soft and smooth even with heavy use. Harkla's products do have a lifetime guarantee as well, which is important when making the investment. The price of a weighted blanket can seem shocking at first, but Harkla's are affordable for the quality of their product and the lifetime guarantee of it, they also offer free shipping which is a plus!! The company is also very committed to helping you find the right product for your needs. They understand that their products are used to help those who already have added struggles in their lives, and that they are purchasing the product often times in desperate need to help themselves or their loved ones with those struggles. Their website is very easy to navigate and offers all the information you would need to make your purchase. If you have other questions you can easily contact them as well!
We are really happy with this product and hope those who read our review consider Harkla's products and are able to benefit from them like we are! If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments section below!
To view Harkla's products or purchase visit: https://harkla.co
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