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Sleep Disorders Children Autism - Psychology, Special Needs, Health - Posted: 9th May, 2020 - 11:14am
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Night "Wandering, Sleepwalking and others
Sleep Disorders In Children With Autism
My 7 year old son, who has a mild case of Autism would (Not often) "Wanders" at night. In the beginning I thought he was "Sleepwalking" but there are times he is aware he is up but he would just walk in circles or without any direction (His eyes would be open or half open) When I would give him the instruction to go to bed, he would not listen but he would continue walking as he did not hear me...then I would take his hand and take him to bed and he would fall asleep immediately without saying anything.
QUOTE Disturbed sleep patterns are extremely common in the autism population. Wandering at night is also common. Sleep deprivation among caregivers is chronic and longstanding.
QUOTE Most parents have had some experience with a child who has difficulty falling asleep, wakes up frequently during the night, and/or only sleeps a few hours each night. Temporary sleep difficulties are an "Expected" phase of child development. Ongoing and persistent sleep disturbances can have an adverse effect on the child, parents and other household members. Children with autism spectrum disorders appear to experience these sleep disturbances more frequently and intensely than typically developing children. A child's sleeping problems can quickly become a daily parenting challenge.
There are a number of factors to address when establishing a plan to reinforce a positive sleep pattern. First, any underlying medical problems that may be affecting sleep should be assessed. Consider checking for food and/or environmental allergies or intolerances, gastrointestinal disturbances, and seizures. All of these are more common in persons with autism spectrum disorders. Also sleep disturbances can be a side effect of other medications an individual takes and so this should be considered, too.
Sleep disorders that affect the general population should also be ruled out for your child with an autism spectrum disorder. Sleep apnea is a disorder that can affect anyone at any age. It is a disorder in which a person experiences pauses in breathing when the airway becomes obstructed during sleep. The most common cause for blockage is enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Upper respiratory illnesses and/or allergies can also contribute to the development of sleep apnea. Beside pauses in breathing, symptoms of sleep apnea in children include: snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, sweating, night wakings, and/or frequent coughing or choking while asleep. Other sleep disorders to assess in a child, if appropriate, include sleep terrors and confusional arousals. These both are frequently referred to as parasomnias. Parasomnias are disorders of "Partial arousal" that lead to unusual behaviors during sleep. Children with sensory processing difficulties have more problems falling asleep and night waking.
There are a number of factors to address when establishing a plan to reinforce a positive sleep pattern. First, any underlying medical problems that may be affecting sleep should be assessed. Consider checking for food and/or environmental allergies or intolerances, gastrointestinal disturbances, and seizures. All of these are more common in persons with autism spectrum disorders. Also sleep disturbances can be a side effect of other medications an individual takes and so this should be considered, too.
Sleep disorders that affect the general population should also be ruled out for your child with an autism spectrum disorder. Sleep apnea is a disorder that can affect anyone at any age. It is a disorder in which a person experiences pauses in breathing when the airway becomes obstructed during sleep. The most common cause for blockage is enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Upper respiratory illnesses and/or allergies can also contribute to the development of sleep apnea. Beside pauses in breathing, symptoms of sleep apnea in children include: snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, sweating, night wakings, and/or frequent coughing or choking while asleep. Other sleep disorders to assess in a child, if appropriate, include sleep terrors and confusional arousals. These both are frequently referred to as parasomnias. Parasomnias are disorders of "Partial arousal" that lead to unusual behaviors during sleep. Children with sensory processing difficulties have more problems falling asleep and night waking.
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Post Date: 17th Feb, 2016 - 3:38pm / Post ID: #
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Autism Children Disorders Sleep
Trouble Sleeping Associated With Behavioral Problems In Children With Autism
Science Related News
Associations between trouble sleeping and behavioral problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been noted by researchers. Children who weren't sleeping well had greater problems with aggression, irritability and paying attention during the day, the researchers say.
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Post Date: 9th May, 2020 - 11:14am / Post ID: #
NOTE: News [?]
Sleep Disorders In Children With Autism Health & Special Psychology
Sleep difficulties linked to altered brain development in infants who later develop autism. New research finds that sleep problems in a baby's first 12 months may not only precede an autism diagnosis, but also may be associated with altered growth trajectory in a key part of the brain, the hippocampus. Source 2s.
TOPIC: Sleep Disorders In Children With Autism