Sleep advice desperately needed please!

I like that idea. He has his zebra who goes everywhere with him but I like the idea of something he might be able to ‘chat to.’ Thank you 

might seem odd but when i was young i had a teddy who i dressed up to look like tom baker in dr who made him a big felt hat coat and my gran knitted a scarf for him i used to talk to him like he was a real person / imaginary friend you say your son stops screaming when you go in the bedroom perhaps a stuffed toy that you can introduce him to or even one of these interactive toys that can answer back and play games etc (budget allowing of course ) might help to distract his attention away from crying out for your attention

Bless yah, keep positive luv x

Jay- I have a nurse coming to visit me in a few weeks time which is the first step after his diagnosis. I’m going to mention it to her too and keepinga sleep diary. He slept through the night last night so...fingers are crossed for tonight. We used to have a good week followed by a bad week. But past 3 weeks have been bad. 

Jy

Hey Monica.

Have you spoken to any health professionals?.

jay

Thank you so much. I will definitely try the photo, in fact in his actual shared bedroom I have photos of all the family so might move it in to the little room for him. I have  put a low wattage bulb in their for him and some favourite books. He has access to water but no food but I can think about that. 

Thank you for listening and offering advice and  support 

Monica

Well my advice is probably nothing like that you will get from a professional but my night time space has everything I need to keep me occupied while everyone else is asleep. It is decorated how I want it to be my space and I have photos of everyone I talk to them. I wonder if a good photo of you would help? I am assuming that you need time for yourself after they have gone to bed? Not a criticism. Time for yourself is important. 

Does he get thirsty, hungry etc, I find that for myself 1900 untill 0600 is way to long to go without food. So I have bottled water and snacks in little plastic boxes. But I am mindful that he is only 3 1/2. These are all just things that work for this 51 year old that sleeps at most 4 hours and at worst no hours for days in end. 

Firstly, thanks for responding.

answers to questions.

They are cross shouts/screams and as soon as I walk in they stop and he starts chatting. 

Not that tired in the day

He has a small night light. I took out main bulb as he turns it on...possibly that is part of problem? He has a few books he loves in there.

i don’t think he sees it as a punishment as often he asks to ‘go in the other room’  

and cant think of anything that happened aged 3. Since Easter it’s been good week followed by bad week but last 3 weeks have just been (on the whole) bad. That’s why I’m hoping nursery routine will settle him back down. Although he’ll have a lot to cope with as his much loved key worker has left and I don’t think he has computed that. 

Any advice would be wonderful. Thanks again

Are the screams distressed screams or just i want to be entertained screams?

Is he tried during the day as a result of being awake for so long at night?

Does he have a light on in his room ?

Does he have anything with him to feel safe, not bored? I I know you said he's happy and safe in the small room but does it feel like his nice cost bedroom or like a i can't think of a word for it but like a punishment?

These are just questions not a judgement.

Did anything happen at 3 years old anything at all that preceded the change in sleeping pattern? Change of bed, change of routine, change in relationships for example?

I hope other parents with similar experience see this and can share their strategies.

In the meantime, here's another recent thread with some thoughts on screaming:

https://community.autism.org.uk/f/miscellaneous-and-chat/12887/my-autistic-daughter-age-9-won-t-stop-screaming/