When her three year-old stepson Declyn was diagnosed with Autism, Nicola Hayward began researching ways to help him with his anxiety.

She discovered ‘weighted' blankets – custom-made blankets designed to engage with the deep pressure touch receptors throughout the body.

Declyn looking pleased with his new weighted blanket. Supplied photo.

When she looked into purchasing one, she found they retail from $200 - $500 NZD. As a low income family, they couldn't afford that.

So Nicola decided to make one herself.

'I hadn't sewn for about 20 years – since I was in college, in fact,” she says. 'But I borrowed a sewing machine and used second-hand materials to make one.”

Nicola saw an instant improvement in Declyn's anxiety and hyperactivity. She realised that other families like hers could also benefit from the use of weighted blankets, but might not be able to afford the high cost either.

'That's when I decided to start making and donating the weighted blankets to other families in New Zealand with children on the Autism spectrum.”

She's started a Givealittle page to help raise funds for the materials needed, and has had some very generous donations so far.

The cost of the plastic beads used in the weighted blankets are approximately $30 – $40 per blanket, so the donations will cover those costs. The use of beads, rather than cheaper materials such as rice or wheat, ensures the blankets can be washable. Due to the weight of the blankets, there can also be costs involved with postage and handling.

Nicola says the feedback so far has been very positive, and she hopes to keep making more.

'I have an autoimmune condition called lupus, which causes my immune system to attack my organs. Currently I'm receiving treatment for chronic renal failure, which means I have a bit of time on my hands now to sew.”

Her motivation comes from the possibility of helping other families.

'Seeing how well the blankets worked with Declyn made me think it would be such a relief for other families to be able to give it a go. It may not work for every child, but it's worth a try.”

Readers can donate at Nicola's Givealittle page.

How do they work?

Weighted blankets engage with the body's deep pressure touch receptors, helping children (and adults) prone to anxiety or restlessness to relax. For children, the blankets are usually 10 per cent of their body weight, i.e. a 20kg child will have a blanket weighing 2kg. The effect of the blanket has been likened to a firm hug that makes the user feel safe and secure.