Why Weighted Lap Pads are used for Tactile Defensiveness and Sensory Integration

This article provides information regarding the benefits of weighted lap pads for sensory integration. Affiliate links are included for your convenience. Integrated Learning Strategies (ILS) is a learning and academic center. As a reminder, ILS is not a health care provider and none of our materials or services provide a diagnosis or treatment of a specific condition or learning challenge you may see in your child or student. If you seek a diagnosis or treatment for your child or student, please contact a trained professional who can provide an evaluation of the child.

If you have a child with sensory issues or other learning challenges, they may benefit from using weighted items like weighted blankets and weighted lap pads for sensory integration, emotional grounding and attention and focus. Many children with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), Dyslexia, Asperger’s, ADHD and other behavioral issues find comfort in weighted items for them to function on a daily basis.

Lap pads are one of the few weighted items that these types of children generally gravitate to because deep pressure soothes their body, especially if they have high energy or sensory seeking behavior. Unlike a weighted blanket, weighted lap pads are good for school, busy public settings, family outings, traveling and restaurants. They are much easier to cart around and are less noticeable at your child’s desk or in other public settings.

Weighted lap pads are good for tactile defensiveness, proprioceptive input, and deep pressure for calming the nervous system. They can also improve your child’s body awareness and prevents sensory meltdowns, tantrums and aggression. For children who struggle to stay seated in class, are fearful of crowded places, can’t stay organized and have trouble sleeping, they can use weighted lap pads to regulate their mind and body.

How to use weighted lap pads

Try to find a lap pad for your child around three to seven pounds. Depending on your child and how much sensory stimulation they need, they may want more or less weight. It’s also important to find a lap pad with the right texture or light-weighted material to prevent tactile defensiveness.

Your child can use weighted lap pads many different ways. Have them place it in their lap, on their shoulders, over their neck, and on their back or legs. Try to avoid having them place it on their head. If they want to feel that “buried” sensation, have them climb under a sheet or pillow with their weighted lap pad over their shoulders or back.

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Integrated Learning Strategies is a Utah-based center dedicated to helping mainstream children and children with learning challenges achieve academic success. Our services provide kids with non-traditional tutoring programs within the Davis County, Kaysville, Layton, Syracuse, Farmington, and Centerville areas. Areas to find Integrated Learning Strategies include: Reading tutors in Kaysville, Math tutors in Kaysville, Common Core Tutors in Kaysville, Tutors in Utah, Utah Tutoring Programs