C.V.
My ex's son has Asperger's. When I came on the scene, he was allowed to have the radio on all night, could have his curtains open, door open with bathroom light on, nightlight, and toys, books, and flashlights in bed. Had about 5 different pillows and 4 blankets. His own heater set on 75'F.
The kid was basically staying up all night because nobody knew what he needed. All of the things he had were thrown at him in hope that SOMETHING would work.
I started paying attention to how he slept when he was actually sleeping.
When he actually slept, it was: One blanket. One pillow. Fitted sheet, no top-sheet. No light (he would burrow under the blanket to escape the light). Heater off (house temp set to 67'F).
I took the radio. He was listening to the weather reports in the middle of the night and completely paranoid every time a storm approached.
I closed and shut off all things light emitting, and removed everything from his bed except the one blanket and pillow, and removed the extra heater from his room. Bedtime routines were consistent every single night, even weekends.
And, lastly...I always tucked him in nice and tight. Almost like a burrito. He loved that.
He hated losing all the things that entertained him...but after about 3 days of hearing his arguments before he fell asleep, the arguments stopped. He started sleeping soundly.
It's really a matter of detective work. Figuring out what already works for him and what doesn't.
A few other things:
Make sure he has any stimulant meds early enough so they're worn off by dinnertime, so he eats properly and can sleep. A hungry, overstimmed kiddo won't sleep.
A snack might be required an hour or so before bed. Be sure it's something that won't get him wired up.
Best,
C. Lee
