Most people think it's odd to see a child walk around with a 'neck wrap' in a grocery store, or out and about. Especially when they ask your child, "What's that?" and he replies with, "My Melson!".
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| Look at his smile! Thank you Nana! |
My son Vaughn was initially diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Displacement Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified), and noncompliance, as well as what seemed like a grocery list of other axis diagnosis. Later, that changed to Autism and Mild Mental Retardation. HE is our little warrior. We still work on his 'coping skills' when he's angry, but he's come a loooooong way.
He wasn't given a diagnose till he was four 4 years old. From the time he was 11 months old, he repeatedly banged his head on any hard surfaces till he had goose eggs, and built up scar tissue on his forehead, but never would cry. I knew there was something wrong, but it took 4 years of telling his pediatrician that Vaughn was still non-verbal, refused to go to anyone but me, and refused to be near other kids. When he was near other kids he would bite them till they moved away. Two separate daycare facilities were telling me he needed to be tested and get help otherwise we would have to find a new center for him. After the 2nd daycare, I asked them to put it in writing to take to his doctor. It was a long four years before I got services started for him. As a parent, you truly are you're child's only advocate. It is so important to not give up when reaching road blocks.
While my husband and I were learning about all the different faces of Autism, and specifically - how to help our son with with his needs, we found that pressure therapy worked best for him. Every night he wrapped himself like a tight burrito with his blanket to sleep. All the signs were there - but until I dove into researching I didn't know about Autism or what signs to look for.
Then one day, a beautiful angel {a.k.a. my mother-in-law} made him a gift when he was 9. I wanted to buy him a weighted lap pad, vest, or blanket...but couldn't afford one as pricey as they are. So she made him his own version.
She told me about how much fun she had balancing the fabric while sewing a lavender/rice mix into each pocket. I sure wish I could have gotten a picture of that! Apparently it can get a little messy. She also made the rice neck wrap 2 sleeves to slip it into like a pillow case. He has Charlie Brown below, {he loves Charlie!} and the other is a tie-dye designed one. It works great popping in the microwave for warming up, or leaving in the freezer for cooling/cleaning time.
Our little sensory craver's face lit up when she gave it too him! He was glowing with happiness! He declared he was naming it Melson, and so he did. Vaughn still gets infuriated if his little brother takes/hides his Melson. I began to worry it may be a new forming bad habit, but so far he hasn't given anything else a human name. It was also the first time ever that he named ANYTHING. Not to mention an inanimate object!!! For almost the past 2 years, he's toted 'Melson' around his neck almost all day and sleeps with him at night. The weight from Melson truly helps sooth him. We learned to never take a road trip (meaning more than 5 minutes) without bringing Melson along.
So, we deal with the curious stares, answer the same questions, and go with the flow with a smile on our faces. If Melson {a weighted neck wrap} helps our son with self soothing so WE ALL can have a better day, I really don't care what other people think of it and so grateful to have this as part of our 'sensory tool box'.
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| Close up of the pocket stitching. |
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| Full length of 'Melson' 29.5" L x 8" W |
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| Vaughn took 'Melson' with him to get his tonsils removed |
I hope this information can help someone else with sensory seekers! Do you have any recommendations for other weighted or pressure devices that you don't need to refinance your home to buy? If so, please share or leave a link below, Thanks!!
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