Club makes weighted vests, blankets

Southeast Misourian

Tilsit 4-H Club has made 41 weighted vests and 18 weighted blankets to help children who are autistic or hyperactive. The weight in the blankets and vests helps calm the children down so they can interpret what's going on in their environment.

Blankets were stuffed with old T-shirts and bedding, and vest pockets were weighted with clay. The pressure of the weight stimulates the child's sensory system, helping them to relax.

Completed vests and blankets were delivered to the Sikeston Regional Center for Mental Health and distributed by the center to individuals and schools in the area.

For more information, call Shirley Aufdenberg at 243-2977.