Sleeplessness

[mommy8]

My 3yo son does not sleep but maybe 3-4hrs a night if that and his Dr which I disagree with says he will grow out of it I am worried and I think its a problem. He also has other strange things that he does like line all of a certin toy in a row, or scream for no reason, will not eat meat at all. He always walks on his tippy toes and he has a major speech delay. There other numerous things that he does that are not normal but I have listed these for now. Please Help!

[timmysmom2005]

I really feel for you so much. When I read your posting it was as if I wrote it myself. Your son sounds SO MUCH like my son. My son is also 3 and does every single thing you listed. Unfortunately my son was diagnosed with autism when he was 1. You really need to go to a child neurologist and have an evaluation done. ASAP the most important years to work with a child with autism are before the age of 5. That is when their brains can soak up the most information. As far as the sleeping, I want to cry for you! We went through the EXACT same thing for 2 years! He wouldn't go to sleep until like 2 am, he would wake up screaming every 30-45 minutes, and then be up for the day around 7am. EVERY DAY for 2 YEARS. Finally I was crying at his autism playgroup and a few people told me about melatonin. His doctor gave us a referral to a sleep clinic and they gave us the go ahead to try it. Melatonin is an all natural supplement. It is something that our bodies naturally produce from exposure to sunlight, however many children with autism do not develop enough of it. You can buy it almost every where near the vitamins. The amount you give depends on the child's weight. My son weighs 46 pounds and takes 2mg a half an hour before bedtime. He actually could take 3mg but we don't feel he needs it. He instantly started going to sleep around 10:30 (huge difference from 2 AM) and he only wakes up during the night occasionally and always goes back to sleep quickly. It's been a god send for us and I'm please that it's not an addictive sleep aid or a narcotic. I full heartedly recommend it as a mom who was clinically sleep deprived and suffering from exhaustion. Now my son gets his rest and my husband and I can watch a movie alone and uninterrupted and relax. I forgot what it felt like and it's wonderful! But really, take the steps and get an evaluation. Wishing you the best of luck, timmys mom

[momsof2girls]

hi, i have same problem with you, my daugther shes 27 mos. sleep only 6 hrs. cried for 2 hrs before going to sleep, i tried grapes and cherries it works for her. now she sleep about 10 hrs a night after that.i give grapes for her dessert and before going to bed.

[888mom]

I have heard also about melatonin.  I was on a forum (different one) awhile back that I no longer visit and there was one lady who took her son to a pediatric neurologist and then was referred to a place that does sleep studies though the only thing they did was confirm that he had a problem and didn't really have much to offer solution wise.  She was the one also who had tried melatonin with her son, though against the advice of the specialist.  She was desperate.  Her son did sleep better with the  melatonin.  He also had some seizure disorder issues.  But I just remember the sleep situation most.  I don't know if her son had continued success with the melatonin or if any issues came up.  I am not sure what side effects melatonin would have on a child either.  Just keep asking questions from the doctors and refuse that he will grow out of it.  If he can't sleep at night, in my opinion his brain is not goign to develop because of that as well!

[Shireen1411]

Hi, I really feel for you, I have a 5 year old autistic son, and ever since he has been 12 months old he has only slept 4 hours a night, he spends the other 20 hours a day running around in circlees, crying, and destroying things.
My son also lines things up, and has a major speech delay, you should consider seeing another doctor to do some tests on your child, I've heard melatonin works on some children with sleep. Also milk and bananas can help keep a child asleep if given every night before bed.
Stay strong you will get answers soon .

[Sally44]

Sleep problems are common with many disorders including autism.
Google DSM IV Autism to read the diagnostic criteria for an autistic spectrum disorder.  By three years old he should be talking in sentences and should be playing with his peers.
Lining up things or playing with parts of toys eg. spinning the wheels of a toy car - are also typical of being on the spectrum.
Walking on toes is a sensory thing associated with Sensory Integration Disorder.

[Sally44]

If he has a speech delay I presume he is being seen by a Speech and Language Therapist.  Make enquiries to see if he/she has experience of autistic spectrum disorders.  If they do, ask them on their next appointment if they would assess your child and tell you if they think his speech difficulties are consistent with a diagnosis of being on the autistic spectrum.  If they do they should then refer your child to other professionals for assessments and observations towards getting a diagnosis.
Also google Sensory Integration Disorder.  If that sounds like your son you go and tell your child's paediatrician that you think he has this disorder and that you want to be referred to an Occupational Therapist.  It always helps to put requests in writing - because then you have proof you asked for them.  And always get a reply in writing.  They are more likely to take your concerns seriously if they have to explain their decision in writing to you.
Does he also throw tantrums for no apparent reasons, or do they seem an over reaction to the trigger that caused the tantrum?
Does he resist change and just want to do what he wants to do all day long.  Does he interact and play with you or does he just use you to make sure his needs are met ie. to get him drinks/food/turn TV on etc.