Introduction:

Weighed Compression Vest( WCV) have been proposed as an experimental intervention, which acts through principles of sensory integration therapy, to alleviate hyperactivity, inattention, stereotypic behaviour and other core features of Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD).

Methods:

31 children aged 6-9 years, satisfying DSM V criteria for ASD, with Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score>30 and hyperactivity and attention problem in clinical range in Childhood Behaviour Check List (CBCL) were enrolled between January 2016 and November 2017.  WCV made up of a skin friendly compressive material, with non-metallic weights, strategically determined as per 10% of the weight of the child, free of microbes or any such harm were used by participants daily at least 3 sessions of 30 min each for 6 weeks. Daily log book was maintained by caregivers to record hyperactivity, inattention and self-stimulatory behaviors. CARS and CBCL were repeated at 6 and 12 weeks.

Results:

Out of 31 participants (25 boys, 80%; median age 7 years), 2 children discontinued before 6 weeks, but no significant adverse effects were observed in any participant. Withdrawn behaviour, hyperactivity and inattention at 6 weeks significantly decreased as compared to baseline at 6 weeks (p=0.04, 0.02 and 0.03 respectively).However, symptom severity increased after discontinuation of vest at 12 weeks.There was no effect on CARS scoring or Aggression on CBCL at either 6 or 12 weeks.

Conclusion:

Larger clinical studies, of longer duration with controls are required to determine, which subgroup of children are more likely to be benefited from WCV.