Blankets costing £100 for autistic children ‘do not work’, experts say

Experts warned today that £100 “heavy” blankets, which it is claimed help autistic children sleep, may be a waste of money.

Health professionals often recommend the weighted blankets. But a study of 73 children, some of whom attended Evelina London Children’s Hospital in Lambeth, found no evidence that they improved sleep.

Professor Paul Gringras, a consultant sleep expert at Evelina who led the research, said: “Children with autism often sleep poorly compared to their peers. The idea behind these blankets is that the child is reassured by the gentle pressure, so is more calm and relaxed.

“We found no evidence that they make any difference compared with normal-weight blankets. It’s possible weighted blankets may relax some children while they’re awake.”

The study, funded by charity Research Autism, is published in US journal Paediatrics.