" the senior author, Beth L. Goodlin-Jones, PhD of the M.I.N.D Institute at the University of California Davis Health System in Sacramento, Calif., treatment with over-the-counter melatonin supplements benefits children of all ages, which helps alleviate some of the additional stress that parents of special-needs children experience"
In addition to over the counter melatonin supplements the study authors recommend behavior therapies and sleep hygiene practices to help children with autism and Fragile X sleep.
Conor has had the occasional evening where he takes a couple of hours getting to sleep but overall we can't complain about his sleeping patterns. Conor does receive behavioral therapy which, in my opinion as his father who has been actively involved with raising him for 13 years, helps keep his stress levels low throughout the day.
The most significant factor for Conor's good sleeping patterns though is one that I think works for every one, child or adult, autistic or not - a consistent bed time with pre-bed routines. Conor looks forward to Eight Zero Zero (8:00) each evening. He literally runs up the stairs to the upstairs washroom where Dad loads the toothpaste for brushing and we go through a routine involving things like effusive praise for how well he has brushed his teeth and washed up. Last night Conor ran up the stairs and, when finished in the washroom, on into his room where he jumped into bed.
Exercise also helps. When the good weather hits in the spring the extra daylight, which might make for more difficulty getting to sleep, is off set by the greater amount of time outdoors walking and getting fresh air with Dad. It certainly helps Conor's Dad :-)
In describing the good fortune we have had with Conor's sleep habits I do not mean to diminish the difficulties faced by other autistic children and their families who are not so fortunate. I just want to suggest regular bed time and routine, together with outdoor exericse and fresh air though, if possible, might be of assistance if currently lacking.
The most significant factor for Conor's good sleeping patterns though is one that I think works for every one, child or adult, autistic or not - a consistent bed time with pre-bed routines. Conor looks forward to Eight Zero Zero (8:00) each evening. He literally runs up the stairs to the upstairs washroom where Dad loads the toothpaste for brushing and we go through a routine involving things like effusive praise for how well he has brushed his teeth and washed up. Last night Conor ran up the stairs and, when finished in the washroom, on into his room where he jumped into bed.
Exercise also helps. When the good weather hits in the spring the extra daylight, which might make for more difficulty getting to sleep, is off set by the greater amount of time outdoors walking and getting fresh air with Dad. It certainly helps Conor's Dad :-)
In describing the good fortune we have had with Conor's sleep habits I do not mean to diminish the difficulties faced by other autistic children and their families who are not so fortunate. I just want to suggest regular bed time and routine, together with outdoor exericse and fresh air though, if possible, might be of assistance if currently lacking.
autism
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