Misc. Bits and Pieces

Going to throw out some bits and pieces of stuff that has come to mind lately

Sleplessness and Insomina

Sleplessness is something that Aspies and ASD kids in general have as a general rule.  Bailey was a night owl from the time he was born.  I laughed at parents who were telling me that they could put their infants down to sleep at 7pm at night and have them sleep until 7pm the next morning.  Bailey was never that way.  Still isn't today.  Bailey has never been able to go to sleep before 10pm in all his 12 years.  Dont tell me about "Feberizing" - we tried all the tips, tricks, deprivation, pretty much anything you can name, we tried.  I've found that Bailey's body takes time to wind down from the stress and activity of the day.  I have found that soft music and movies or shows with soothing sounds seem to help with this.  I know that "experts" say no TV after a certain time of night - but when it comes down to the parent getting sleep or dealing with a child who is going until 1 or 2am in the morning, a little TV never hurt anyone.  I believe that there is some truth to the fact that diet can help/hurt with insomina.  Obviously loading a kid up with sugar isn't useful when trying to get them to sleep.  I've found that allowing Bailey to snack lightly (again, as non-sugary of a treat as possible) before bed seems to assist with the winding down process and helps him to get to sleep and stay asleep longer.

Focus and Change of direction

It's interesting how it seems that Aspies and ASD kids seem to get misdiagnosed with ADHD so easily.  I believe that the symptoms that the doctors see are misleading.  Aspies in particular are EXTREMELY focused on whatever the current task is at hand.  One issue that Bailey's teachers have struggled with over the years is getting Bailey to change from one task to another.  Even at home, there are times when I have to call his name and get him to focus entirely on me before I can give him new instructions for a new task.  This is important for Aspies.  Sometimes you need to give them this "cushion" to shift gears between one task or another.  They can't just pick up and go as other kids do.  Their brain needs time to refocus on the new task to work out what steps need to be taken next.

Which brings me to my next point - Change of direction.  Aspies hate change.  Tradition and familiarity are safe for them.  Any time you introduce change to the Aspie's environment it is key to do this as slowly and carefully as the situation allows.  Sometimes the situation doesn't allow and you have to change on the go and take the Aspie along for the ride.  Be prepared during these times for the inevitable "moment" as the Aspie will struggle with organizing thoughts and actions to incorporate the change.  For the parent of an Aspie it is key to try and map out the new task as clearly as possible and to give expectations of what the end game is for the Aspie.  Sometimes this means outlining something as simple as picking up toys or putting away books.  Tasks like that may seem simple for other children but for the Aspie, these tasks can often require additional direction be given to allow their brain organize and act on the new task at hand.