Autism is a structural difference in the brain with a strong genetic component. People on the autism spectrum have brains that don't go through the normal culling of brain cells after birth that neurotypical brains do. Although autistic brains do go through a culling at a later age, they tend to be denser than normal brains with more brain cells.

People on the autism spectrum tend to have sensory processing differences. Some are highly sensitive to loud noises, colors, textures, or other sensory stimuli and are called "sensory avoiders" because they try to get away from stimuli that are too disturbing. Others on the spectrum are called "sensory seekers" because they pursue high levels of sensory input by, say, eating spicy foods or running around and crashing into things. Sensory seekers seem to need proprioceptive feedback in order to calm down and re-equilibriate.

***EDIT: I should probably post this information here. Most children with sensory differences have some sensory seeking and some sensory avoiding behavior. See discussions in the comments for more information.***

There are places that sell compression vests and jackets, sometimes with weights. Those can run about $50-150. Compression vests are more for long term wear, say during the school day to help sensory seekers feel secure and able to concentrate.

This is a quick fix that works for us when my 3 year old can't seem to calm himself. I can't always drop everything and give him deep pressure massage for 20 minutes if he's freaking out, and this is another option.

Note: if you feel the urge to leave a comment or send me a note about how you heard that autism is caused by vaccines, poor nutrition, gluten intolerance, food additives, or poor parenting... just don't.

Step 1: Secure the Items

items needed:

nylons or tights
a sensory seeker toddler who is starting to get hyper, possibly running around, dumping things out, throwing things, and/or hollering

This sounds easy but sometimes it's tough to find a pair of tights when there's a 3 year old tornado in your house. My only advice is to hurry. When you have your pair of tights, pick up the toddler and hold him tightly. Don't yell or act angry; he's not trying to be naughty, and your yelling will make his brain freak out even more.

When he's still enough for you to begin, hold one foot of the tights by his right armpit and over his left shoulder. Pull rather tightly, but not tight enough to bruise. When the tights are back to his right armpit, simply wrap them over the loose foot end to secure it. Once you've reached that point, the rest of this should be pretty easy.

Step 2: Finish Wrapping

Wrap the tights around the front of the toddler's torso, under the left arm, across the back, and over the right shoulder to the front. Pull securely, but try to be gentle even if you're mad. This is an assistive device, not a punishment. If your toddler acts upset at the wrapping, stop. His brain will tell him very quickly if this is something that will help him reset; pay attention to his cues.

Wrap the tights around the front, under the left arm, and around the back until you come to the end of the tights.

Step 3: Secure the Ends

Hold onto the loose end of the tights and find the end you started with under the right armpit. Tie these together.

Wrap the loose middle section of the tights around the stretched bands to keep it from getting snagged on something.

Be careful not to tie the knot too tightly. You'll want to be able to unfasten it easily. Your toddler will likely let you know when he wants it off by trying to pull it off or grabbing your hand and putting it on the wrap. It'l be hard for the toddler to be patient if it takes too long to remove.

Our little guy likes to wear this for about 10-20 minutes when he needs it.

Step 4: Love Your Little Sensory Seeker

This step is crucial to the whole process.

Hug him and tell him you love him. Even if he doesn't yet use words or make much eye contact, it does NOT mean he doesn't understand the words you're using.

This is a quick and dirty fix, but it works for us; I'll post another instructable at a later time about a more lasting device with other features.

Thanks for reading!