Kaitlin Alvey MS,OTR/L, TheraTree Clinical Manager and Occupational Therapist, leads this hybrid in-person and virtual workshop.

Deadline to register: Thursday, April 15th, 2021

If you are making the blanket for someone specific you will need to know their weight as weighted blankets need to be 5 - 10% of the person weight.

Virtual attendees will be responsible for obtaining their own supplies (see below).

In-Person attendees will need to follow our clinic's COVID procedures. Supplies for in-person attendees will be provided. Extra sewing machines are needed if you have one.

A weighted blanket is similar to a regular blanket, but has small weighted material inside it. The blanket is a little heavy and applies a firm consistent pressure to the body that is underneath of it. Weighted blankets come in all sorts of sizes and textures.

Weighted blankets provide proprioceptive and tactile input. This input provides an organizing effect to the central nervous system and stimulate the release of neurotransmitters. This can be very calming and relaxing in general. It’s also why weighted blankets can also be used to relax at any time, not just for sleep.

Virtual Supply List:

• Material for the outer blanket such as lightweight fleece or close weave polycotton such as bedding (duvets are great for this project).
• Sewing machine (not a mini sewing machine)
• Basic sewing kit, including scissors, pins and thread. The thread will show on your blanket on the stitching you use to create the pockets which distribute the weight evenly through your blanket so choose a colour that matches or contrasts your material colour
• Aquarium Gravel or Plastic pellets to create the weight for your blanket. These are recommended for blankets and can be washed if needed.
• Simple food scale for measuring weight.

Signs Your Child May Respond to a Weighted Blanket:

• Loves sleeping or laying under piles of blankets or heavy comforters.
• Enjoys crawling into tight spaces or behind furniture
• Has difficulty (even after a lot of physical activity) relaxing and sitting still
• Likes wearing heavy sweatshirts and sweaters

Diagnoses and Symptoms:

• Autism
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• • ADD/ADHD
• Anxiety
• Sleep difficulties

Kaitlin Alvey, TheraTree Clinical Manager

Kaitlin Alvey earned her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University. She earned a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Science from Eastern Kentucky University in 2015. Kaitlin completed additional certification for working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) through an Interdisciplinary Autism Certificate program. She has presented posters discussing social skills groups for individuals with autism at the OCALICON Autism Conference and the AOTA student conclave in 2016. She has had the opportunity to present to various housing staffs, at Eastern Kentucky University, about disability awareness in the residence halls and including students with disabilities in the housing environment. During her graduate assistantship, she was able to create a pilot mentoring program to promote the success of students with disabilities in higher education. She had the opportunity to present the program at the Milestones Autism Conference in 2017 and also in 2016 with her co-leader at the EKU Research Day. Kaitlin hopes to continue with creating and implementing new programs to promote the success and self-determination for individuals with disabilities. She has special interests in the areas of safety training, mental health, and autism spectrum disorder. She intends to complete research and pursue a doctorate. In her free time, Kailtin loves to run, craft, bake, decorate, and read. She also refinishes furniture and shops at antique malls with her family.