This will be long, sorry
My 2yo son has stopped sleeping. He has ASD markers and has a pediatric appointment in 2 weeks. It started as him not wanting to be in the dark. I got him a nightlight, He now refuses to sleep in his room. On a good night he will sleep from 9 til 6.
On a bad night he will sleep from 2-5. He no longer has day sleeps. He will wander around the loungeroom and touch things, then will curl up and go to sleep on the floor. He doesnt like being cuddled so I cant hold him til he goes to sleep.
He now has a makeshift bed on the loungeroom floor. The bed has to be near me and he has to be able to see me. If he falls asleep in the loungeroom I can transfer him to his bed, but if he wakes up the whole process starts again. I have tried Phenergan but it just turns him into a crazy zombie hurricane.
I don't know how else to help him. Please help.
Thanks, One tired, sleep deprived mama
1 Replies
I'm mum to teenager with ASD who has had on and off sleep problems. Most kids with sleep issues benefit from melatonin to help them sleep. Depending on the issue going to sleep/ staying asleep regular melatonin or slow release may be the best options. The paediatrician should be able to write a script and generally have more knowledge on sleep medication for children so it would be best to wait for then. Also someone like a Child Psychologist/ BCBA will be able to help you with strategies for sleep amongst other things. I would also advise you to do a thorough safety check of your home. Your sleep deprivation added to a child who is wondering at night is a recipe for disaster so things like alarms on the front and back doors, child locks on anything that could be dangerous etc would be a really good idea. You may never need them but it only takes one time.