Hi and welcome! I find that it's hard to understand a few things. Both my sons when they were younger would have severe meltdowns when I clipped their finger and toe nails. It's not something that should hurt. Unless I get a little skin, but I try hard to not do that! But to them it hurt. Luckily, my older son is able to handle it now. My younger son (7 years) is better about his fingernails but still *hates* to have his toenails cut. He still cries every time. I try to have patience and do it in a way that won't hurt. Sometimes we just have to get through it as quickly as possible and just get it done.

Even though I don't understand all that they feel, I try my best to respect those feelings and believe them that they're real.

Yes, weighted blankets are calming. My younger son loves his weighted blanket. Also, doing joint compressions seems to help to calm. I do them sometimes at bedtime if my younger son is having trouble settling down to sleep. I usually just do his legs. Here's a YouTube video that gives an idea what they are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvtV8owbR3o

Welcome to the group!