The World from a Different Perspective

"How One Mom Is Using Military Uniforms To Solve A Problem For Kids With Autism"

By: Caroline Bologna

Source: The Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/10/vests-for-visionaries-autism_n_7018924.html?utm_hp_ref=health-news&ir=Health+News

            When Crystal Lyon's son was diagnosed with autism she set out to buy him a weighted vest - a therapy implement that can have a relaxing effect on children with conditions such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, etc. Lyon was displeased when she learned that the weighted vests were out of her price range and that insurance would not cover the cost. With the aid of her drill sergeant husband, Lyon sought out a plan. She used all her husband's uniforms and sewed her son a weighted vest. The weighted vest helps her son, John, manage  situations of anxiety and uncertainty. It helps him to relax and concentrate on his therapy and focus on what he is learning in school. Research about the efficacy of weighted vests differs, but many occupational therapists and parents find them to be quite useful for kids with special needs. Roseann Schaaf, a professor and chair of the department of occupational therapy at Thomas Jefferson University stated that the weighted vest worked for this child, but might not work for others, as every child with autism is different.

            Crystal Lyon saw the impact the weighted vest had on her son, inspiring her to make more vests for other children, thus the beginning of "Vests for Visionaries." To make these vests, Lyon picks apart donated military uniforms, then pieces them together as weighted vests incorporating the child's certain interests and favorite colors. Lyon, of course does not weight the vests as every child requires a different amount of weight. As of right now, Lyons has been able to donate vests to over 130 kids in the United States and Australia.

            This article is significant as it illustrates a mother's love for their child. John's mom has not stopped working to help John and other kids with such special needs. When starting "Vests for Visionaries," she wished to "help children and families be able to have access to a therapy tool they may not be able to afford and to give hope to those families in a situation where they may already be feeling helpless" (Bologna). This article, helps individuals realize to not give up after diagnosis and rather understand that there is help and there are people willing to help.