*Article* **Weighted Blankets and Sleep Quality in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Single-Subject Design**

### **Bryan M. Gee 1,\*, Kimberly Lloyd 2, Jesse Sutton 3 and Tyler McOmber 4**


Received: 11 November 2020; Accepted: 24 December 2020; Published: 27 December 2020

**Abstract:** The purpose of the study was to explore the e fficacy of weighted blanket applications and sleep quality in children with autism spectrum disorder and behavioral manifestations of sensory processing deficits. Two 4-year-old participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who also experienced sleep disturbances took part in a single-subject design study. Objective sleep measures and caregiver surveys were tracked for a baseline period of eight days, followed by a 14-day weighted blanket intervention and a seven-day withdrawal phase. Caregiver reports and objective data were evaluated using visual analysis and the percentage of non-overlapping data methods. The results sugges<sup>t</sup> minimal changes in sleep patterns as a result of the weighted blanket intervention. The findings based on using a weighted blanket intervention were enhanced morning mood after night use and a significantly decreased time to fall asleep for participants, though they were not strong enough to recommend for clinical use. Future directions include single-subject and cohort-designed studies exploring the e fficacy of weighted blankets with increasing sleep quality among children with autism.

**Keywords:** weighted blankets; sensory-based interventions; autism spectrum disorder
