Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD) is believed to affect about 1 in every 100-150 children. 

If you have a child who has ASD, you may be aware of the different therapy types that are available to help them cope, such as ABA therapy or even pet therapy.

In recent years, there has been something of an explosion in a type of therapy that has been very beneficial to children with ASD, and that is known as deep pressure. This is essentially when someone or something puts pressure onto different parts of the child’s body, which stimulates their central nervous system and allows them to feel calm. In fact, this is the logic behind autistic children having weighted blankets. 

However, one of the most affordable ways to provide deep pressure therapy is with furniture filled with beans, and in this article, the key advantages of this furniture option for children with ASD will be explored further. 

They Conform

Much like a weighted blanket that can be filled with rice, a bean bag chair or sofa adapts and changes to the shape of your child’s body. So, if they get comfortable in one position and then need to move, this will allow them to be comfortable in another position too. These bags will also allow them to feel swaddled and safe, which will be a great thing when they are recovering from a meltdown or feel stressed.

They Are Safe

Think of most modern chairs; they are either wooden, plastic, or metal. If you have a child who has ASD, these chairs are unlikely to be helpful for them, as they can crash into them and hurt themselves. Or, they can throw them or hurt themselves with them if they are having a meltdown. 

The worst thing a child with ASD can do with a bean bag chair is to throw it or tear it. The throwing won’t break anything, and the tearing can be sewn back together. If your child needs to stim with the chair, they won’t be able to hurt themselves and, as the shape will change, it will likely calm them down quicker too.

They Aren’t Noisy 

Many children who have ASD have sensory issues, so if you are dragging a chair across the floor, this can cause them to feel overloaded and stressed.

Furniture that is filled with beans is very quiet, allowing you to move it without causing sensory issues, and allowing your child to move it about too. 

They Are Light

As mentioned before, bean chairs and furniture are light, which means if you are planning a trip away with your child who has ASD, you can easily pack it without hassle. As mentioned earlier, the lightweight nature of this furniture also allows your child to move the bag as and when they need to, so they can take it to their safe space if they are feeling overstimulated or scared. This, in turn, can teach them independence, and allow them to express themselves, as they can choose where to move the bag, and for how long they will need it without it being pushed onto them as a coping mechanism.