Peer-Reviewed Studies on the Benefits of Weighted Plushies, Blankets, and Vests for Anxiety, Depression, and Autism
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Gringras, P., Green, D., Wright, B., Rush, C., Sparrowhawk, M., Pratt, K., Allgar, V., Hooke, N., Moore, D., & Zaiwalla, Z. (2014). Weighted blankets and sleep in autistic children—a randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 134(2), 298-306.
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Champagne, T., Mullen, B., Dickson, D., & Krishnamurty, S. (2015). Evaluating sensory and comfort interventions for individuals with mental illness: A review of the literature. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 22(2), 142-153.
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Chen, H. Y., Yang, H., Chi, H. J., & Chen, H. M. (2013). Physiological effects of deep touch pressure on anxiety alleviation: The weighted blanket approach. Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering, 33(5), 463-470.
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Reynolds, S., Lane, S. J., & Mullen, B. (2015). Effects of deep pressure stimulation on physiological arousal. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(3), 6903350010p1-6903350010p5.
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Gee, B., Nwokenna, E., & Lorimer, R. (2016). The calming effect of a weighted blanket in children with autism spectrum disorder. Advances in Autism, 2(4), 160-169.
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Mullen, B., Champagne, T., Krishnamurty, S., Dickson, D., & Gao, R. X. (2008). Exploring the safety and therapeutic effects of deep pressure stimulation using a weighted blanket. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 24(1), 65-89.
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Hodgetts, S., Magill-Evans, J., & Misiaszek, J. (2011). Weighted vests, stereotyped behaviors and arousal in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(6), 805-814.
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Zissermann, L. (1992). The effects of deep pressure on self-stimulating behaviors in a child with autism and other disabilities. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 46(6), 547-551.
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Eron, K., Kohnert, L., Watters, A., Logan, C., Weisner-Rose, M., & Mehler, P. S. (2020). Weighted blankets for anxiety reduction in adult clinical settings: A survey of practitioners. Occupational Therapy International, 2020.
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Stephenson, J., & Carter, M. (2009). The use of weighted vests with children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(1), 105-114.
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Mullen, B. A., & Champagne, T. (2008). Sensory processing and the use of weighted blankets, mats, and vests for children with autism spectrum disorders: A review of the literature. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(6), 973-982.
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VandenBerg, N. L. (2001). The use of a weighted vest to increase on-task behavior in children with attention difficulties. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(6), 621-628.
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Lin, H. Y., Lee, P., Chang, W. D., & Hong, F. Y. (2014). Effects of weighted blankets on anxiety in dental environments. Medical Devices: Evidence and Research, 7, 73-77.
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Reynolds, S., & Lane, S. J. (2008). Sensory over-responsivity and anxiety in children with ADHD. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(4), 415-426.
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Cox, A. L., Gast, D. L., Luscre, D., & Ayres, K. M. (2009). The effects of weighted vests on appropriate in-seat behaviors of elementary-age students with autism and severe to profound intellectual disabilities. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 24(1), 17-26.
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Edelson, S. M., Edelson, M. G., Kerr, D. C. R., & Grandin, T. (1999). Behavioral and physiological effects of deep pressure on children with autism: A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of Grandin’s Hug Machine. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 53(2), 145-152.
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Pfeiffer, B., Koenig, K., Kinnealey, M., Sheppard, M., & Henderson, L. (2011). Effectiveness of sensory integration interventions in children with autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(1), 76-85.
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Cavanaugh, L. K., & Rademacher, S. B. (2014). How a weighted blanket may promote calmness in children with autism spectrum disorder: A case study. Occupational Therapy International, 21(1), 4-7.
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Case-Smith, J., Weaver, L. L., & Fristad, M. A. (2015). A systematic review of sensory processing interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 19(2), 133-148.
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Walker, S., & McCormack, R. (2002). The weighted blanket: An alternative sensory strategy for reducing anxiety in the classroom. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 49(3), 147-148.
While direct evidence on weighted stuffed animals specifically might be less common, these studies on weighted blankets, vests, and deep pressure therapy provide a strong foundation for understanding their potential benefits.