Autistic child sleeping too much?

My 2 year old Autistic daughter has recently begun sleeping much more than usual, having more 'meltdowns', and constantly has dark circles under her eyes. I took her to the doctor a few weeks ago for an ear infection. She was given an antibiotic, which I thought was causing these symptoms, but she's been  off of them for a week now. I don't think it's related to the earache or medicine. It this normal behavior?

[William L. Holcomb, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

Based on your description, I suggest you at least call (or visit) your daughter’s pediatrician and discuss the matter with him or her.  Sleeping more than she used to, but still having dark circles under her eyes sounds counter to what one would expect.  A few questions that you may expect to be asked: How “much more than usual” is she sleeping?  Is she sleeping at different times than she used to?  You may want to start a chart monitoring her sleep patterns.  How many more “meltdowns” than previously?  Again, some measurement to compare before she was ill to the present would be helpful.  If you weren’t collecting that information previously, then start now (at least you may be able to see what’s increasing or decreasing from now on).    
Finally, are you receiving any help with training or behavioral- based therapy at you home?  If so, you may wish to discuss with the person supervising the program the recent changes.  Perhaps they might have some suggestions for getting your daughter “back on track” for sleeping.  (Of course they would want you to consult with a pediatrician first to rule out any medical/physical causes.)