my son is 4 he DOES NOT SLEEP. i run on 3 hours of sleep. .
we went to the doctor and my son has to be put on meds .
I don't know if this call would have any helpful information for you, but I wanted to share it with you.
http://nosickvisits.blogspot.com/2009/12/autism-conferenc...
I hope you get the help so you can all get some sleep.
Our nephew is 8 and has autism. His parents are really private about his medication but I know he is on a new class of medication and he sleeps almost 12 hours straight. I wish I knew details, but I know it really helped with sleep. You poor thing, you must be exhausted!
I a an autism mom myself and I know what you are going thru. However, this is the wrong forum for this kind of question. I would start to look into biomedical treatments for children in general and find a yahoo-newsgroup that can help you. There you will find lots of knowledgeable moms that are in the same situation as yourself. There are lots of other treatments that can help. For starters, you could try giving the melatonin together with taurine, that helps the hyperactivity often. Also, calcium given at bedtime can be very calming. Good luck with everything, feel free to contact me if you would like more info.
All the best, A.
Have you tried lavender? They put it in lotions or you can buy the oil. Try putting it on your sons feet or wrists, or on his pillow and blanket. Its very strong so you don't need much. I would put it on a cotton ball and wipe it on whatever you want it. Lavender is very calming and relaxing. You can try a bath first to help relax him. There's a woman who swears by aromatherapy in helping children with Autism. Her website is: www.nancyorlenweber.com
Diet too can be a help if changed. Research "the leaky gut" Many believe that children are allergic to many things in their diet which can cause Autism.
Call your neurologist. He may need some medication to help him fall asleep. I know I'm starting a huge debate here, but your son's condition is biologically-based and he will likely need on-going medical monitoring as he gets older. Autism is currently treated symptomatically... sleep, attention deficit, anxiety, etc.
I would take him to a specialist - it is hard to be a good Mommy on 3 hrs sleep a night - and I am sure it is affecting your son as well. If the melatonin isn't working, then perhaps there is something else that will help. I have a son who is also a night owl and I make sure he gets plenty of exercise, has a soothing bedtime routine, and soft music playing when it is time to sleep . . .good luck!
Have you considered his diet. I know many autistic kids do much better on modified diets. No artifical sweetners or colorings in food. It might help if you look online for a diet for him. It may make a difference
Dear Tara Lynne, One of my sons was not a sleeper. Back then the doctor told me to get L-tryptophane (spelling?)It is what is in turkey that makes us sleepy on Thanksgiving! I'm sure you can find it in the health food store. I know how important sleep is to you and your children! My best, Grandma Mary
Tara, have you tried some soft music at night? Anything instrumental, but "soft". Good luck.....
J.
