Autism Support Group

Hello,

This is my first post. I came here seeking help as me and my husband are completely tired and not sleeping at all at night.

We have a 4yrold who so far has been diagnosed with medium to severe autism. He is completely nonverbal. I am from the Middle East. Services here and doctors here are not even barely sufficient or have good experience in the area of autism although we have alot of cases. It is a rising epidemic all over the world as well know.

Most of the the help we give our son is based on our research from the internet and we try to give him therapy but it is nowhere near the hours he needs per day.

Anyway we are starting to consider medication for sleep but we are too scared that he becomes dependant on it and can't sleep on his own. He was doing so well before and he would sleep all through the night, I don't know what happened. It's been a few months now and I am 8months pregnant with out second and waking up several times a night to put him back to bed is really REALLY challenging ( sometimes 5 or 6 times a night).

My husband goes to work looking like a zombie from the lack of sleep and my son also is very cranky due to not getting a good nights sleep.

I would truly appreciate all the advice I can get.

Thankx

zeezmmom: Welcome to the group. My name is Shannon and I have a 10 year old with Aspergers. Before turning to prescription medication there are a couple things you can try.

1. A full stomach before bed. One thing that we have done has been Carnation Instant Breakfast. It helps sustain the tummy a little longer than a glass of milk or chocolate milk. (he could be going through a growing stage). Or you could try some cereal that he likes that doesn't have too much sugar in it.

2. Melatonin. It is something the body produces naturually, but sometimes a little boost is needed. You can find it at a natural foods store or at Walmart, Walgreens, etc.

3. Keeping him up and very active throughout the day and keeping him up a little later so that when he does sleep, he sleeps continuously.

I have tried all suggestions except for the melatonin I am sort of scared he would be dependent on it

You could try it for a while and see if it helps get him back into a sleep routine. From checking different sites on the internet, there are sites that say it can be addictive and some that say it isn't.

Melatonin can be habit forming in the long term. It's a chemical that our brains produce normally so if if it is taken in pill form you brain will think it can turn off its own production. On the other hand melatonin is something that a lot of kids with autism are lacking. We give it to our son when he is having a difficult time settling down at night. You can ask your doctor about it if you are unsure.

There is something really important that I forgot to mention that could make the situation not about medication.

2months ago my father inlaw has open heart surgery and was staying with us for those 2 months.Sleeping arrangments changed and my son slept with us. after those 2 months his grandfather left.

When I started returning him back to his room he refused and would wake up several times a night to crawl back into bed with us. HE would really insist on digging his feet under me. that stcking his body really next to me.

at first we allowed him in our bed, then my husband said enough is enough and that we have to retrain him to be in his bed. Thats when it all started. He would wake up every hour wanting to come into our bed. My husband would carry him back and he would wake up the other hour. Every time he woke up I would have to go into his room and put my hand on him till he goes to sleep. Then sneak out when he finally fell asleep and he would be up the next hour and so on. I was thinking this has to do with his attachment to me and the fact that recently he started going to Therapy 3 hours a day which he is completely resisting and cries his eyes out whenever its time for him to leave me. I am 8months pregnant and some tell me maybe he is feeling that there is something different and they say their normal kids used to have isssues like that when they were close to delivery. I am soo messed up from not sleeping and I neveer had this issue b4. The only problem I had before was that the amount of sleeping hours were sometimes little and that he would wake up an hour or two earlier than he should for a couple of weeks but never this.

I also wanted to know if anyone tried using the weighted blanket for this feet digging issue.

Sorry, I seem to be going on forever, but no one here understands. I don't know any mothers with autistic kids.

Anyone who can contribute with their thoughts or experiences to this issue would really be of great help. I would love to hear about anyone who had a similar experience when they were pregnant.

Keep in mind, melatonin is the NATERAL. way. It is not a drug.

Post edited by: scotty04901, at: 07/18/2011 05:33 AM

You are not going on too long and I think almost all of us can relate to how these sleepless nights feel so we understand!

Different sleeping arrangements definately can be the cause of all of this and getting to sleep with mom and dad is usually more comforting.

We have a weighted blanket and it has made a world of difference for us. It not only helps with sleep at night but also if he's really anxious or long car rides - it has been wonderful!

You can also try giving him your pillow at night so he can smell mom and have comfort.

metalynn, you are so supportive..thank you. I need someone who is understanding who doesn't make me feel like I am blowing everything out of proportion.

Can you reccommend a brand for the weighted blanket or a website?

I am an Egyptian currently living in Saudi Arabia so there is no way to get one by going shopping

Here there are absolutely no resources for special needs kids.

I will either have to order it online and have it shipped or ask a friend passing by London or the States to bring one if you can provide a name of a store that sells them.

Scotty, how is melatonin natural if there are sources that say it can be addictive? I am not attacking, I honestly know nothing about it and just heard about it recenetly so if you know anything about it please tell me.

thankx everyone for your all your support