I need help

[SheilaRShackelford]

I am a respite provider and I have been trained to deal with children’s behaviors, but I do have a 11 yr old that is Aspersers, ADHD, and every time it is time to go to bed he as really bad behaviors, from screaming, yelling, cursing, destroying my home, to trying to run, you name it. I have to restrain him sometimes and he is as string as a 25 yr old man. I know I have to get more training in order to continue keeping him so that his parents can breath, He knows what he is doing, he will tell you that he is doing this because he is not getting his way. I have decided that in the morning times while he is at my home he has to had consequences for his behaviors. Is there any suggesting to what else I can do??????????????

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

Bedtime problems are common among children with developmental disorders and typical children alike. I agree with many of the recommendations already provided. A consistent bedtime routine is almost universally recommended to promote smooth transitions to sleep and to facilitate sleep once the child is in bed. It is also important to minimize day sleep and to have a fairly regular wake time. Have the child’s parents check with his pediatrician to be sure that the scheduled amount of sleep is appropriate. There are many functions of a sleep routine. One function is to make it clear when sleep time is approaching. Once the sleep routine is initiated, it is important to follow through and make sure that the child is in bed at the scheduled time. When caregivers allow a child to “bargain out” of sleep time by asking for a few more minutes, one more show, or a snack, children are successful in taking control of situation and in delaying sleep. Once, the child is in bed, it is important to minimize interaction that would interfere with sleep and potentially reward calling out, leaving the bed, and other disruptive behavior. Given the severity of the bedtime protests that you described, I think it is important for you to get some professional assistance. I am particular concerned about the use of restraint. It is important that caregivers use restraint only when absolutely necessary and that the use of restraint is approved and supervised by a qualified professional. I strongly recommend that you seek the assistance of a local Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Please visit the website of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (http://www.bacb.com/) where you will find a directory of service providers.

[Angela77]

I would suggest implementing a consistent and predictable routine to follow starting after snack.  (1. Snack 2.tv 3.book 4.brush teeth 5.bed or something like that depending)  Kids in the autistic spectrum do well with routine and structure.  
I also suggest giving some sort of positive reinforcement for him complying with the routine.  Look into what is motivating and enjoyable for him.  For example, if he complies with step 1 of the routine he get a sticker.  If he gets 5 stickers, the next morning he can play the x-box (or other motivating activity)  for 20 minutes.   If he does not comply, no x-box.  This is just a general idea but you would need to modify it your situation.
In terms of additional training for you, I would look into Behavior Interventions for children with autistic spectrum disorder.

[MaryannesMom]

I totally agree with Angela77.  You have to give them a reward for complying.  Aspie's way of thinking is, "What's in it for me?"  They are not motivated to follow rules to fit in like "normal" people, because they could give a hoot about fitting in!