Research shows that children with autism suffer from sleeplessness than their peer group. Study reveals that approximately 70% autistic children have some or the other sleep related problem as compared to 50% in the other children. These children are more likely to be sluggish, disoriented after waking, and have more sleep disturbance than normal children.
As more and more children are diagnosed with neurobiological disorders, they are prone to have disturbed sleep. In addition, the problems and symptoms that characterize the disorders will be greatly exacerbated by a lack of sleep. Most of the children with special needs are stressed, as they are trying to cope up with the other kids and their schoolwork. They are continuously working on their behavioural aspects that truly exhaust them.
In addition, the medication taken as stimulants tends to contribute towards this lack of sleep. If such sleep problems continue to plague these children, one must resort to proper alternative medication and therapies.
All children are at their best with healthy sleeping habits, so it is advisable to set up a consistent sleeping schedule for autistic children. It does require special care and patience but nothing can be more important than the health of our apple of the eye.
Pic courtesy Jeanquingwenloo on www.flickr.com
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