The social worker of a young child recently diagnosed with autism referred the parents to us for help. The child was not sleeping at night due to high anxiety and daytime overstimulation. The therapist recommended a weighted blanket to help calm the child and obviate the need for sleep-enhancing medications. The cost to obtain the blanket online presented a financial hardship for this young, working family. Our Board readily approved their request to offer this child (and the parents) the chance at a good night’s sleep so they could all better deal with the new diagnosis and “new normal” for a family affected by autism.
