I am new to the board but am curious for any advice regarding sleep. My son diagnosed with autism, 6 mos ago or so, has always had a problem with sleep, but within the last 4-6 mos been worse. He treats it like a nap schedule, he is up every 2 hrs, and is inconsolable and unable to go back to sleep without having to be up for 2-3 hr intervals in between wakeups. We have tried melatonin, started out at 1 mg, and up to 18, no response. We have been prescribed klonopin for sleep, and have been on that a week, so far no change in sleep pattern. We have an appt for ENT, because he always has his mouth in open position, Dr suggested tonsils? also have appt with sleep clinic at childrens hospital.. but in the meantime I am pulling my hair out. I have 3 other children to attend to, and am single parent..

what is everyones experience with lack of sleep in thier autistic child?

Do you keep his bedroom dark at night while sleeping? I've noticed from my son and others that a dark room seems to help. I think the less distractions and "noise" the better. Is his bedroom busy with toys and stuffed animals and other things?

We had problems for a while, but my son is on Clonodine and Risperdone at night, and usually sleeps with no problems, although he does go from his bed to the couch every single night to finish sleeping.