Sept 4, 2018, KGET, Bakersfield, CA: Local women makes weighted blankets, lap pads to help students focus https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/local-women-makes-weighted-blankets-lap-pads-to-help-students-focus/1416728677 A local woman is sewing weighted blankets and lap pads, helping students with learning disabilities stay focused in the classroom. "When I found out that there were these physical objects that could help them with out any negative repercussion, I knew that I had to give that a try," said Jocelyn Dimaya, owner of Jocelyn Shares. … The custom lap pads and blankets are filled with non-toxic, machine washable poly pellets and range in weight from 2 to over 20 pounds. The lap pads are helping students, like 7-year-old Jacob Gomez, focus in the classroom. "It helps me be calm in school," Jacob said. Jacob was diagnosed with autism just before he turned four. … "This lap pad is actually as important of a tool as a pencil is to him at school," Litterell said. "The very first day he took it to school i got a call from his teacher saying it was amazing. he was able to stay in his seat, he stayed on task, it's great."
Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.