Question 1

best way for a severe autistic adult to be checked up. since diagnosed he was never seen by a doctor. he has dental & sleeping problems and scoliosis.

Accepted Answer

Start with: A psychiatrist, he may need help with anxiety and insomnia.  He will likely need sedation for any dental work so call an office and see what they recommend.  I would find a psychiatrist first though to evaluate and treat the sleep issue.  Good luck.

Question 2

what percentage of kids with autism have sleep problems?

Accepted Answer

Prevalence estimates: Of sleep disorders in children with autistic spectrum disorder are 44-83%.

Question 3

are there any type of over-the-counter remedies for getting an autistic child to go to sleep at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but...: Studies show that more children with autism have sleep problems--getting to sleep, staying asleep, and not waking to early--than do those without autism.  Melatonin has some evidence of benefits with getting children with autism to sleep more readily.  Best techniques relate to routines:  establish one and stick to it.  Remember, chronic problem, so need something you can use over long time.

Question 4

my son is 2 years old & has sleep problems. he has severe anxiety & may be autistic. he won't nap & often will be up 12+ hours. can we try melatonin?

Accepted Answer

Best to see good Dr.: This is complex so I advise seeing an integrative MD- see http://tinyurl.com/znoel89 
It's safe to try melatonin but I recommend a tiny dose of 0.25-0.5 mg. Magnesium (ideally glycinate or taurate) 200 mg/day may help calm him; also a good B-complex with the L-5-MTHF form of folate (folic acid). Tulsi tea and L-Thenanine may help. You might also try to find a good homeopath- see http://tinyurl.com/lw2suls

Question 5

i believe it was a spider bite. it happened while he was sleeping. and i cannot ask him any questions and get a response. he is autistic?

Accepted Answer

Spider bite: Watch for any worrisome symptoms, swelling, redness, drainage or any pain. If you become worried, have him seen. Keep it clean and apply polysporin (bacitracin and polymyxin). Sometimes a behavior change may tip you off that something is wrong. All the best.

Question 6

my 5 year old son has low functioning autism and does not sleep through the night what can we do to help him?

Accepted Answer

Autism: His sleep problem may be due to difficulty unwinding from agitation or from recurrent fears at night. A good bedtime routine, sleep hygiene can help him, find out what soothes him. Physical daytime activities that get him tired at night may help. Work with a child psychiatrist, medications can help with low functioning autism.

Question 7

my son just started trozadone 100mg for sleep, but he's not going to sleep. he driftsand then wakes up. he's autistic, can he take 10mg melatonin too?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin is safe: Trazadone is an antidepressant which may cause reduced sleep. A different antidepressant may be more effective.
Using Melatonin along with an antidepressants is fine and may improve his sleep. Try it for one week and judge for yourself. How old is your son?
 Do share this information with his treating doctor or better yet seek consultation with a psychiatrist who may be helpful to guide you furthe

Question 8

my son is autistic and he gets hiccups in his sleep they don't wake home up but last about 20 min why?

Accepted Answer

Sleep apnea?: There is nothing I've heard regarding a connection w/ autism, but hiccups during sleep have been related to the breathing pattern that can occur in sleep apnea. Hiccups are caused by involuntary movements of the diaphragm which might be set off by the disturbed breath rhythms. Perhaps his pediatrician can evaluate this and either treat him for it or refer to a sleep specialist. Best wishes.

Question 9

could tenex (guanfacine) be used for severe autism in a boy of 7 yo that melatonin  7.5mg no longer help with sleep?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: A better alternative is Clonidine or kapvay.

Question 10

23 yo m, no signs of aggression, autism, or other mental illness; what causes nighttime head bouncing, what helps? sleep not restful, have done since 4

Accepted Answer

Head banging can : Occur in neurotypical infants & toddlers. Video it for his  2-year well-child  check. The aap recommends ongoing developmental surveillance using standardized  screening tests like the asq + the m-chat screening for autism at 18 & 24 mos. Or do them at www.Firstsigns.Org & take in the results. Check head growth, eardrums , etc. For sleep hygiene, see healthy children section of www.Aap.Org.

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Doctor answers about:

What type of sleeping problems do autistic children have

A member asked:

Best way for a severe autistic adult to be checked up. since diagnosed he was never seen by a doctor. he has dental & sleeping problems and scoliosis.

A member asked:

What percentage of kids with autism have sleep problems?

A member asked:

Are there any type of over-the-counter remedies for getting an autistic child to go to sleep at night?

A member asked:

My son is 2 years old & has sleep problems. he has severe anxiety & may be autistic. he won't nap & often will be up 12+ hours. can we try melatonin?

A member asked:

I believe it was a spider bite. it happened while he was sleeping. and i cannot ask him any questions and get a response. he is autistic?

A member asked:

My 5 year old son has low functioning autism and does not sleep through the night what can we do to help him?

A member asked:

My son just started trozadone 100mg for sleep, but he's not going to sleep. he driftsand then wakes up. he's autistic, can he take 10mg melatonin too?

A member asked:

My son is autistic and he gets hiccups in his sleep they don't wake home up but last about 20 min why?

A member asked:

Could tenex (guanfacine) be used for severe autism in a boy of 7 yo that melatonin 7.5mg no longer help with sleep?

A member asked:

23 yo m, no signs of aggression, autism, or other mental illness; what causes nighttime head bouncing, what helps? sleep not restful, have done since 4

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