In the morning I had to get up with my oldest son Ryan and get him off to school, or go to work, let me tell you there were times I actually thought I was going in sane from lack of sleep, there were many days that I put a note on my door and unplugged the phone simply because I couldn’t give anymore. I honestly felt so frustrated I wanted to be completely alone, besides people just didn’t get it.
So why do most children with Autism have trouble sleeping? More study is needed but evidence is beginning to emerge that melatonin and serotonin are the culprits; most professionals believe that serotonin may also influence behavior in autism.
Melatonin is a mystery and it is complex but the main point is that it helps the body to know when it is day time. Melatonin is safe and has been used for sleep deprivation and is so safe that it can be bought over the counter at drug stores.
I have read about parents that have given this hormone to their child diagnosed with autism (which of course was prescribed by their doctor), it is usually given before bedtime and the dose is 3 mgs, I read one case where if the child still wakes during the night after having melatonin at bedtime, her doctor’s orders were to give a 5ml of Benadryl. (Always consult your doctor about any medicine you consider giving to your child)
This explained why every time Michael had a reaction to food and I gave him Benadryl, he actually slept the whole night! Now don’t be getting any ideas now! I know how crazy it is not getting sleep, do not use Benadryl, I repeat do not use Benadryl.
The trouble is you can’t really ask your doctor for help unless your child has been diagnosed, or can you??? Why not??, If you and your doctor believe your child may have autism Melatonin is safe! You have a life to live and without the right sleep we are actually putting our children in harm’s way by driving, cooking etc…
If your child is diagnosed with autism, trust me, at first you will hear lots of old remedies, warm milk , body massages, relaxing bath and on and on, or be told to do things that you have already tried, trust me I heard it over and over and have tried it all. What I have found to help is using a weighted blanket, wrapping him tight or gently rubbing my fingers over his back or applying deep pressure to his body. Michael found comfort in the bottle therefore he was 4 years old when I could finally get it away from him. I do not suggest this because it caused alot of damage to his teeth to the point he had to have surgery, so you think you are actually limiting what you have to deal with only to have it come back on you later, and him.
To conclude, if I had known about melatonin even 2 years ago I would have certainly asked Michael's doctor about it so now I am telling you about it, after all, it is your sanity and in order to face the rest of the challenges autism presents, you will need at least your sleep. It never hurts to ask, don’t go through it alone as I did, I wish I knew then what I know now, it sure would have been easier.
Thankfully my son never really suffered any sleep problems other than getting him settled in the evening. Once he is asleep, he is out for the count. But he needed certain aids to settle him. He too was hard to break from the bottle, then sippy cup, suffered from incontinence while asleep, he often needed his back rubbed to fall asleep, still sleeps with a certain stuffed critter [at age 10], and after a few years of sharing a bedroom with his older brother he often refused to settle at night is his brother was not in the room. His routines are not always set in stone but they are what he needs to get to sleep. As of late he has taken to needing his crocheted baby blanket [he found in the back of the closet] over his head. I don't know why, but it seems to help him settle a lot easier. For all the other parents out there I hope they find something that helps them. One thing I have learned for sure is to expect the unexpected because what might have worked yesterday might not today, and tomorrow could be something else again. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteNaomi,
ReplyDeleteI remember when Micheal was a baby you lived next door to me, and u always had a sign up on the door that u guys were sleeping, i loved spending time with u and micheal, and then i really didnt understand why u would have the sign up but now i do, wow, you are incrediable at what u do, and you should definstly keep it up!!! The girls were looking at the pictures of MIcheal and they said Mommy we know that little boy he was in our class.. You are truly blessed with a amazing child who i know will grow stronger with time, I dont konw much about Autisim but im hoping to keep following ur blog and learn much more.. Take care... xoxo
I've worked with many families over the years whose children with autism have had problems sleeping. I always advise parents to do the same things you tried: eliminate naps, limit physical activity before bed (it only makes the body, not the brain, tired), and track food intake before bed (e.g. too many carbs right before bed may decrease tiredness). Additionally, I advise all parents to consult with their pediatrician regarding melatonin supplements to make sure they're administering the right dosage for the child's body size (it can vary based on height/weight). For so many families this small addition to their child's daily regimen has changed their lives completely! One family was spending 4 or more hours every night trying to get their son to sleep. When they started using melatonin, this time decreased to 10 minutes!! Sleep is vital for proper body and brain function for both children and parents. Kids with autism (and their parents) need to be on their "game" and this can only happen with a proper nights sleep. For any parents out there struggling with sleepless nights, please talk to your pediatrician as soon as possible... it really can help.
ReplyDeleteAbby Twyman
Editor, www.autism-community.com
Hi Abby, I have actually been trying to reach you!! I have a short story written and ready to be entered on your site! I had a problem with it, I tried 7 times to post it but can't , the submit button would turn dimmed gray but it won't go past this step to give me any indication that my story had been accepted, do you have any ideas, time is running out.. thank you so much for reading my blog and leaving a comment!
ReplyDeleteI can guess that the above commenters are Kelly and Lorraine, lol.. mmmm wonder how?? Thank you both for responding to my blog, Lorraine thank you for your honesty and understanding and Kelly thank you for pointing out that not all children with a some form of Autism suffers sleep problems, you lucky duck! I know Ray is not clinically diagnosed but only now are some people aware that you may be right, I agree with you and I still say that Ray is Autistic , it is that simple, like yourself having experience in the Autism world with my son Michael, it doesn't take a scientist to figure it out.. the problem is he was misdiagnosed and now they are having a problem turning this around.. Kelly can you share what Ray was dignosed with? I actually want to do a blog on this very topic.. Misdiagnoses! Thank you
ReplyDeleteTemple Grandin has designed a "squeeze machine" for herself. She finds the constant pressure reassuring:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.grandin.com/inc/squeeze.html
Kathryn