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Need for sleep

NAS75556

Hi,

I'm the parent of an eight year old boy who is autistic and has ADHD. He has incredible difficulty getting to sleep and has never slept through the night. His paediatrician told me today that autistic children don't need as much sleep as neurotypical children. 

I'm aware that lots of autistic people struggle to sleep, but I wasn't aware that there was a difference in how much sleep is actually required. Is this accurate? Should I not be concerned about my son getting perhaps seven hours of broken sleep per night?

He's only recently diagnosed, so I'm still trying to find out all I can. Thanks ever so much.

Parents

  • I would think regardless of wether you are neurotypical or neurodiverse you should sleep the recommended amount for your age range. 

    My son has had sleep struggles since he was about 7 (now 11) and since being prescribed melatonin last year his sleep has improved so much. He is able to function a lot better in the mornings as he is not sleep deprived anymore. 

  • in reply to Lau

    My sons nurse from CAMHS had previously said to me that melatonin doesn’t always work with children who have adhd. It took about 6-9 months to find a correct dosage that works for my son. 

    Have you got a nice bedroom routine in place? A hot bubble bath with some battery operated candles or a microwave hottie teddy bear to cuddle into once in bed.  soft lighting? A weighted blanket? 

    My eldest listens to ASMR in bed i allow him to play this on his tv from a you tube app it helps him falls asleep. 

  • in reply to Lau

    Thanks. We've got a bedtime routine, weighted blanket etc, but he seems to fight sleep. 

    What's ASMR?  I'm eager to try anything that might help him.

    Thanks

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