RE: bed question, looking for ideas

[Guest guest]

How about putting the couch he already slleps on in his room and putting a

tv in there and keep it on low like you do in the living room and then

" slowly " making other changes. Lois

Lois Noland

President

Washington county ASA

721 Georgia Ave Hagerstown Md 21740

240-420-3692

jlois@...

Add this card to your address book

bed question, looking for ideas

> I'm sure you all will be able to give me some

> inspiration...

>

> currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our

> living room, with the tv on low all night. We've

> tried a couple different times to transfer him to a

> regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty

> sight. However, he is getting too big for this

> papasan couch now, and we really need to do something

> else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in

> your living room really cuts down on what you can do

> at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,

> etc., can't really have anyone over.

>

> He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's

> been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.

> The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the

> light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of

> that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I

> don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion

> there).

>

> These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,

> would appreciate any input...

>

> Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would

> fall thru the floor!)

> hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,

> mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or

> something, although I really like the idea)

> featherbed (problem: allergies)

> body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the

> bed well enough, they got all knocked around)

> inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this

> right now, main concern is punctures)

>

> Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with

> this problem?

>

> Becky

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hammock made of fleece. Use PVC piping for framework at each end, and when you tie it, use toggle bolts secured into studs. Hang it low enough so it's no higher than you're comfortable with.

Missy

-----Original Message-----From: Becky [mailto:beckyescott@...]Sent: Friday, October 24, 2003 11:17 AMautism Subject: bed question, looking for ideasI'm sure you all will be able to give me someinspiration... currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in ourliving room, with the tv on low all night. We'vetried a couple different times to transfer him to aregular bed, in another room, and it was not a prettysight. However, he is getting too big for thispapasan couch now, and we really need to do somethingelse. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old inyour living room really cuts down on what you can doat night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,etc., can't really have anyone over.He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He'sbeen sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now. The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or thelight, but we haven't been able to wean him off ofthat either. He currently does take Clonidine, but Idon't think it's doing much (whole nother discussionthere).These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,would appreciate any input...Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it wouldfall thru the floor!)hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped orsomething, although I really like the idea)featherbed (problem: allergies)body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to thebed well enough, they got all knocked around)inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at thisright now, main concern is punctures)Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal withthis problem?Becky

[Guest guest]

Becky, I do not know what a papasan couch is but if likes the tight

cocooning thing, what about one of those small sleeping bags for little

kids? The cute ones with a stuffed animal for the sewn on pillow? I know

would love one but I am afraid that he is too big for one now.

Betty

----- Original Message -----

From: " Becky " <beckyescott@...>

> >

> He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's

> been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.

> The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the

> light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of

> that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I

> don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion

> there).

[Guest guest]

Hello, do you not think that he has learned this behavior?!?! Put him in his

own bed and let him cry!!!

bed question, looking for ideas

> I'm sure you all will be able to give me some

> inspiration...

>

> currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our

> living room, with the tv on low all night. We've

> tried a couple different times to transfer him to a

> regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty

> sight. However, he is getting too big for this

> papasan couch now, and we really need to do something

> else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in

> your living room really cuts down on what you can do

> at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,

> etc., can't really have anyone over.

>

> He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's

> been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.

> The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the

> light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of

> that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I

> don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion

> there).

>

> These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,

> would appreciate any input...

>

> Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would

> fall thru the floor!)

> hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,

> mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or

> something, although I really like the idea)

> featherbed (problem: allergies)

> body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the

> bed well enough, they got all knocked around)

> inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this

> right now, main concern is punctures)

>

> Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with

> this problem?

>

> Becky

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am not sure why he is taking Clonidine, as it is a psychotic drug, not a neurological one. Have you checked out Melatonin? It is a supplement for a chemical produced by the body which regulates sleep, as well as the production of Serotonin and a host of other hormones.

Take a look at: http://www.attcanada.net/~hanavi/html/cause.html

Temple Grandin invented a hug/squeeze machine - maybe you son has a similar need. See: http://www.autism.org/hugbox.html & http://www.doyletics.com/_arj1/thinking.htm. Perhaps a tightly wrapped blanket, lots of cushions, soft toys would help?

Colin.

bed question, looking for ideas> > > > I'm sure you all will be able to give me some> > inspiration...> >> > currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our> > living room, with the tv on low all night. We've> > tried a couple different times to transfer him to a> > regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty> > sight. However, he is getting too big for this> > papasan couch now, and we really need to do something> > else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in> > your living room really cuts down on what you can do> > at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,> > etc., can't really have anyone over.> >> > He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's> > been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.> > The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the> > light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of> > that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I> > don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion> > there).> >> > These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,> > would appreciate any input...> >> > Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would> > fall thru the floor!)> > hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,> > mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or> > something, although I really like the idea)> > featherbed (problem: allergies)> > body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the> > bed well enough, they got all knocked around)> > inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this> > right now, main concern is punctures)> >> > Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with> > this problem?> >> > Becky> >> >> >

[Guest guest]

Clonidine is not in the pyschotic drug family. Its in the blood pressure medicine family but is used for different things. One of my children is on it to help reduce the tics of his Tourette's syndrome. My other child (autistic one) takes it for sleeping issues. It has also been known to help kids with ADD/ADHD.

A child is like a butterfly in the wind, some fly faster, some fly harder but they all fly the best they can. Each one is different, each one is beautiful and each one is special.

bed question, looking for ideas> > > > I'm sure you all will be able to give me some> > inspiration...> >> > currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our> > living room, with the tv on low all night. We've> > tried a couple different times to transfer him to a> > regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty> > sight. However, he is getting too big for this> > papasan couch now, and we really need to do something> > else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in> > your living room really cuts down on what you can do> > at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,> > etc., can't really have anyone over.> >> > He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's> > been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.> > The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the> > light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of> > that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I> > don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion> > there).> >> > These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,> > would appreciate any input...> >> > Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would> > fall thru the floor!)> > hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,> > mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or> > something, although I really like the idea)> > featherbed (problem: allergies)> > body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the> > bed well enough, they got all knocked around)> > inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this> > right now, main concern is punctures)> >> > Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with> > this problem?> >> > Becky> >> >> >

[Guest guest]

Sorry, I should have explained myself better. I'll put it down to fatigue and illness.

What I meant to say is that autism spectrum disorder is a neuro-biological immune system disorder, not a psychotic/psychiatric illness and should be treated appropriately.

I am aware of the current uses of Clonidine (and many other prescription drugs), but they are synthetic, are not manufactured in the body and do not mimic the body's natural function, nor do they restore any balance in the same way that Melatonin does.

A consequence of autism is a Melatonin deficiency, which affects sleep and a chain reaction of hormones downstream.

Your son may have a proprieceptive sense dysfunction and may need stimulation to help him sleep.

Take a good look at the references I sent. They focus on a more natural, appropriate way of treating your son's condition.

Colin.

(AS, 14-year old son with AS, 10-year old son with ADHD/SLD)

bed question, looking for ideas> > > > I'm sure you all will be able to give me some> > inspiration...> >> > currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our> > living room, with the tv on low all night. We've> > tried a couple different times to transfer him to a> > regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty> > sight. However, he is getting too big for this> > papasan couch now, and we really need to do something> > else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in> > your living room really cuts down on what you can do> > at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,> > etc., can't really have anyone over.> >> > He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's> > been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.> > The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the> > light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of> > that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I> > don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion> > there).> >> > These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,> > would appreciate any input...> >> > Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would> > fall thru the floor!)> > hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,> > mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or> > something, although I really like the idea)> > featherbed (problem: allergies)> > body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the> > bed well enough, they got all knocked around)> > inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this> > right now, main concern is punctures)> >> > Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with> > this problem?> >> > Becky> >> >> >

[Guest guest]

Becky, I don't know who was critical of you. I am so sorry. I have been on the list for several years and found most people to be kind and helpful. Is your problem still a sleep problem? Karac has had that problem off and on. I'm the grandmother and Karac spends the night with me every Saturday. I don't have as much trouble as his mother because I don't have any other children in the house; also, I am a very structured person. I give him his bath at 6:00; put on his pajamas; feed him supper and go upstairs with him to sit on the bed and watch his favorite movie. He falls asleep by 8:30 and wakes up between 5:00 and 6:30 the next morning which is fine with me. Sesame Street comes on at 5:00; he watches it while I read the paper and drink my coffee before we start getting ready for church. We have been doing this consistently for 8 years. It works for me. His mother keeps him up until 9:00 or 10:00 thinking that will help him sleep later and it doesn't seem to work. Maybe someone else will come up with something more helpful. Don't give up on us. Blessings, Pat K

[Guest guest]

Becky,

Whoever wrote that email to you is not reflective of this group. Please give us a second chance. I must have missed something !!!! I do believe that its the cuddle pressure that your child is needing, we too have problems with CB sleeping in his own bed, and we're going to try Missy's suggestion of a hammock , but there are places on line where you can find weighted stuff for pressure.

CB's Granny

[Guest guest]

> Hello, do you not think that he has learned this

> behavior?!?! Put him in his

> own bed and let him cry!!!

I was looking for ideas on how to help an autistic

child with sensory issues who is unable to verbalize

his feelings. I was not looking for a critique of my

parenting skills.

As far as the clonidine goes, we are in fact weaning

him off of it now, as I think it isn't doing anything

anyway. It was prescribed to us by a developmental

pediatrician at a very well-respected children's

hospital, who has done alot of work with autistic

kids. At the time it was prescribed, was

waking up about every 1 1/2 hours, all night long,

staying awake for at least a half hour each time, and

had been doing so for at least six months. Sometimes

he was awake and upset, sometimes he was just awake.

We were initially resistant to medding him, and in

fact turned down her original offer to prescribe the

Clonidine.

It appears I have picked the wrong Group to

join. Perhaps someone can recommend a place where the

membership is less critical.

[Guest guest]

Becky:

This is definitely the place for you! I don't know who sent you the Neanderthal advice -- obviously someone who doesn't have a child with autism.

Clonidine -- we use it for our daughter on a PRN basis. Benadryl is our usual med for sleeping. With our daughter, it's not keeping her asleep that's the problem. It's getting her to sleep -- she's wrought with anxiety.

Have you tried making a tent out of his bed? Our OT had lots of ideas like that for us with our daughter to try to help ease her anxiety. You could always make a mattress cover/sheet out of Spandex, too. We tried that. Shelby enjoyed it, but it wasn't doing "the trick" so we stopped (it was way too hard to make her bed with that thing on it!).

Sleep is such an issue for our kids. Some need Melatonin, some need something for anxiety, some need something to help them sleep through the night. That's not even hitting on the topic of what Mom's need!

Missy

-----Original Message-----From: Becky [mailto:beckyescott@...] Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2003 2:16 PMautism Subject: Re: bed question, looking for ideas> Hello, do you not think that he has learned this> behavior?!?! Put him in his> own bed and let him cry!!!I was looking for ideas on how to help an autisticchild with sensory issues who is unable to verbalizehis feelings. I was not looking for a critique of myparenting skills. As far as the clonidine goes, we are in fact weaninghim off of it now, as I think it isn't doing anythinganyway. It was prescribed to us by a developmentalpediatrician at a very well-respected children'shospital, who has done alot of work with autistickids. At the time it was prescribed, waswaking up about every 1 1/2 hours, all night long,staying awake for at least a half hour each time, andhad been doing so for at least six months. Sometimeshe was awake and upset, sometimes he was just awake. We were initially resistant to medding him, and infact turned down her original offer to prescribe theClonidine.It appears I have picked the wrong Group tojoin. Perhaps someone can recommend a place where themembership is less critical.

[Guest guest]

In the future, please try not to be antagonistic in the way you word

your answers. We're all going through different experiences with our

children and should not make assumptions without all the facts. This

may or may not be a learned behavior, it could very well be a sensory

or biomedical issue with this child.

Thanks

> Hello, do you not think that he has learned this behavior?!?! Put

him in his

> own bed and let him cry!!!

> bed question, looking for ideas

>

>

> > I'm sure you all will be able to give me some

> > inspiration...

> >

> > currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our

> > living room, with the tv on low all night. We've

> > tried a couple different times to transfer him to a

> > regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty

> > sight. However, he is getting too big for this

> > papasan couch now, and we really need to do something

> > else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in

> > your living room really cuts down on what you can do

> > at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,

> > etc., can't really have anyone over.

> >

> > He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's

> > been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.

> > The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the

> > light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of

> > that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I

> > don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion

> > there).

> >

> > These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,

> > would appreciate any input...

> >

> > Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would

> > fall thru the floor!)

> > hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,

> > mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or

> > something, although I really like the idea)

> > featherbed (problem: allergies)

> > body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the

> > bed well enough, they got all knocked around)

> > inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this

> > right now, main concern is punctures)

> >

> > Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with

> > this problem?

> >

> > Becky

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Becky,

Just ignore what they said. We are all not like that. Lois

Lois Noland

President

Washington county ASA

721 Georgia Ave Hagerstown Md 21740

240-420-3692

jlois@...

Add this card to your address book

Re: bed question, looking for ideas

>

> > Hello, do you not think that he has learned this

> > behavior?!?! Put him in his

> > own bed and let him cry!!!

>

> I was looking for ideas on how to help an autistic

> child with sensory issues who is unable to verbalize

> his feelings. I was not looking for a critique of my

> parenting skills.

>

> As far as the clonidine goes, we are in fact weaning

> him off of it now, as I think it isn't doing anything

> anyway. It was prescribed to us by a developmental

> pediatrician at a very well-respected children's

> hospital, who has done alot of work with autistic

> kids. At the time it was prescribed, was

> waking up about every 1 1/2 hours, all night long,

> staying awake for at least a half hour each time, and

> had been doing so for at least six months. Sometimes

> he was awake and upset, sometimes he was just awake.

> We were initially resistant to medding him, and in

> fact turned down her original offer to prescribe the

> Clonidine.

>

> It appears I have picked the wrong Group to

> join. Perhaps someone can recommend a place where the

> membership is less critical.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Becky, I think you have already found out that generally our membership is

not critical. Perhaps the one who seemed critcial was just stating what

worked for her child and felt that it would work for yours. Yes, the

behavior is learned after a period of time of letting him do it. Evan

usually falls asleep on the couch and I walk him to bed later. Once in a

while he will fall asleep in his own bed. It depends on his mood and whether

his brothers have demolished the beds and not put them back together. Evan

would not cry, he would just scream if he did not want to go to bed right

then and he would get up and come back into the living room. Our nerves are

bad enough without fighting with him over these. This is the least of our

battles with him. I am more concerned right now about his newest behavior of

taking a shower and shitting in there!! Also what works for one child does

not work for another. Our children also are at different levels of

development and it is wrong to assume what works for one will work for the

other. The best we can do for each other is tell what has worked or not

worked for our children. And believe me, when I say that there is ALWAYS

going to be a time when we can take offense at what someone wrote. Sometimes

it is just that someone did not word what they meant to say correctly. I,

myself, got a lashing from wording something wrong once but we did get the

matter set straight. I, also took offense at how one of my cyber sister

worded something one time. I posted to her privately about it but some other

posted to the list. She also got a raking about about it. But we are still

all friends and got it worked out. What I am babbling about is just this.

Don't give up on us yet! We are a great bunch of cyber sisters and

brothers.

BETTY ANN-61 yo, probably undx'd bipolar

grandma and guardian to

ANDREW - 12 yo-- Bipolar/ADHD, Homeschooled

EVAN - 9 yo-- nonverbal autism

DAVID 7 yo Bipolar/ADHD

and mother to ANDREA -32 yo, their mom -Bipolar/ADHD

wife to BOB - 72 yo, a very tired grandpa

ex-mom-in-law to Jim and Mark--the boys' dads who also live here for

different circumstances.

One big, bipolar/ADHD, sometimes out of control but usually happy family.

----- Original Message -----

From: " Becky " <beckyescott@...>

> It appears I have picked the wrong Group to

> join. Perhaps someone can recommend a place where the

> membership is less critical.

[Guest guest]

Betty:

When you said: Perhaps the one who seemed critcial was just stating whatworked for her child and felt that it would work for yours. "

I thought you were just being nice. Then, as I read on:

I am more concerned right now about his newest behavior oftaking a shower and shitting in there!! "

I have to admit I laughed out loud! Our Shelby has decided that if both of our bathrooms are occupied, she drops her drawers in the flower bed in the front of our house and pees. We live on a pretty busy street -- think everyone in our neighborhood now knows we have a special needs kid?!?!?! That's not talking about last year's episode:

My hubby was doing some work outside in our back yard and he saw these droppings under our deck. He thought to himself, "what the hell left those?" It was his Princess. She wants to be a dog, so she was taking her daily dump under our deck.

God, if we didn't laugh we'd go insane!

Missy

P.S. I completely agree with you: all we can do is share what we've done with each other in the hopes that it might do some good. And remember what Thumper said: "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."

[Guest guest]

I don't respond often on this list, but I do try to keep up with the posts.

This answer to you was completely uncalled for. No matter WHAT the reasoning behind your little 3-year old sleeping in the Papasan couch is, he obviously feels safe and secure there.

When my HFA daughter was younger, starting at 4 months of age, she would NOT go to bed on her own. She needed to be ASLEEP before being carried to bed....then eventually she grew to falling asleep on the couch and we could carry her to bed ONLY when she was sound asleep. Cry herself to sleep? I don't think so. She WOULD NOT sleep! She (and us) would be up all night! Learned behavior? So what? *I* believe leaving a child alone to cry is teaching the child that Mommy and Daddy are not willing to try and understand what's going on and that can't be counted on to help. Sorry to be so blunt, but.....

We did what was best for us and our family. You will find a solution, especially as he matures. There could be something in his bedroom, something visual, auditory, or some other issue that his sensory system is overwhelmed by that he can't deal with.

Our daughter is almost 9, and still does not sleep in her own bed. She did for quite some time, then something, which we haven't figured out, spooked her out of her room and into our loft. We have a futon set up in there and she goes to bed, without fail, every night and sleeps all night.

Don't let anyone discourage you. You'll figure something out that works for you all.

Penny

-----Original Message-----From: JOSEPH OTT [mailto:jott@...]Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2003 5:23 PMautism Subject: Re: bed question, looking for ideasHello, do you not think that he has learned this behavior?!?! Put him in hisown bed and let him cry!!! bed question, looking for ideas> I'm sure you all will be able to give me some> inspiration...>> currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our> living room, with the tv on low all night. We've> tried a couple different times to transfer him to a> regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty> sight. However, he is getting too big for this> papasan couch now, and we really need to do something> else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in> your living room really cuts down on what you can do> at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,> etc., can't really have anyone over.>> He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's> been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.> The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the> light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of> that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I> don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion> there).>> These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,> would appreciate any input...>> Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would> fall thru the floor!)> hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,> mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or> something, although I really like the idea)> featherbed (problem: allergies)> body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the> bed well enough, they got all knocked around)> inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this> right now, main concern is punctures)>> Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with> this problem?>> Becky>

[Guest guest]

I have to admit that tonight I was not thinking good thoughts and trying not to say bad things but Evan got me a bit distrubed and I did not quite catch what his grandpa said when I asked him to watch the door for trick or treaters while I cleaned Evan up. Thank goodness grandpa felt up to getting up and doing as I asked or I am afraid I would have exploded. Just as the kids started arriving I looked over to see Evan standing in the hallway naked, and screaming. A quick look told me that he had poop smeared on him. I quickly headed him to the tub for a clean up and caught a look in the shower stall as I went by. What fun! A messy kid, messy tub and messy shower! How fortunate for mommie that she was taking trick or treating. I guess it was Evan's trick on me and my treat to him that he got to play in the tub for a few moments while I cleaned up the shower and bathroom floor. Then I bounced him from the tub just as he was playing 'flood time in the old bathroom'.

Happy Halloween night to all and a better All Saints' Day tomorrow.

Betty and clan

----- Original Message -----

From: M.

Betty:

When you said: Perhaps the one who seemed critcial was just stating whatworked for her child and felt that it would work for yours. "

I thought you were just being nice. Then, as I read on:

I am more concerned right now about his newest behavior oftaking a shower and shitting in there!! "

I have to admit I laughed out loud! Our Shelby has decided that if both of our bathrooms are occupied, she drops her drawers in the flower bed in the front of our house and pees. We live on a pretty busy street -- think everyone in our neighborhood now knows we have a special needs kid?!?!?! That's not talking about last year's episode:

My hubby was doing some work outside in our back yard and he saw these droppings under our deck. He thought to himself, "what the hell left those?" It was his Princess. She wants to be a dog, so she was taking her daily dump under our deck.

God, if we didn't laugh we'd go insane!

Missy

P.S. I completely agree with you: all we can do is share what we've done with each other in the hopes that it might do some good. And remember what Thumper said: "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."

[Guest guest]

Betty, I don't know how you do it!! So Evan likes to flood the bathroom? Karac use to love to flood the kitchen!! One time just as we were ready to go to church and thought Karac was upstairs watching a movie, we walked into the kitchen to an inch of water. He was having a blast spraying water over the entire kitchen, cabinets, drapes etc. After that a friend volunteered to come over and watch Karac while I got dressed. Fortunately, God has given you a lot of strength and a great sense of humor! LOL, Pat K

[Guest guest]

Betty, that is very encouraging about !! Keep up the training. LOL, Pat K

[Guest guest]

Also, I am fortunate that I am not the only one here to clean up the messes all the time. I was blessed this a.m with Evan pulling his usual AFTER I had told to take him in the bathroom and washing him up with the wash cloth. Instead Evan jumped in the tub and left to watch cartoons. While making pancakes, I reminded to be sure that Evan was not scalding himself or flooding the floor. He was doing neither of those things but the OTHER. Luckily for the other two boys, their breakfast was already but Evan got the priviledge of waiting and I got clean up privilege. I was the only adult up then--but petty revenge-- was up for the next two messes. She is totally wondering how any kid can have so much bm in him for one day and I reminded her just how much he eats. What goes in, must come out. O-;

is now working on learning every thing that goes on for the boys. She got particularly upset with me yesterday at 's mental health meeting when she went out with and I stayed in to hear what the plan was for working with him. Now get this, I ASKED her which one she wanted to do so that she had her choice. Later when I reminded her of this she said that we both kept looking at her so she decided that we both wanted her to go with . Duh, it did not enter her mind that we were waiting for her answer. Truth be told she was not ready to stay and did not feel competent to do it. I did not say this to her because she was already raging but when she is calm and stable, she is the first to say so. The main thing is that she must overcome the fears that come with her disability. The fears of doing anything new. Once she has done it a few times, she is not afraid of doing it anymore. The first IEP for , she said little. This time she did most of the talking and did an excellent job. She is taking a bit larger steps, in her one step at a time.

BETTY ANN-61 yo, probably undx'd bipolargrandma and guardian to

ANDREW - 12 yo-- Bipolar/ADHD, HomeschooledEVAN - 9 yo-- nonverbal autismDAVID 7 yo Bipolar/ADHD

and mother to ANDREA -32 yo, their mom -Bipolar/ADHD

wife to BOB - 72 yo, a very tired grandpaex-mom-in-law to Jim and Mark--the boys' dads who also live here fordifferent circumstances.

One big, bipolar/ADHD, sometimes out of control but usually happy family.

----- Original Message -----

From: pkuenstler@...

Betty, I don't know how you do it!! So Evan likes to flood the bathroom? Karac use to love to flood the kitchen!! One time just as we were ready to go to church and thought Karac was upstairs watching a movie, we walked into the kitchen to an inch of water. He was having a blast spraying water over the entire kitchen, cabinets, drapes etc. After that a friend volunteered to come over and watch Karac while I got dressed. Fortunately, God has given you a lot of strength and a great sense of humor! LOL, Pat K

[Guest guest]

Weighted blanket might be good. They used to be made of a funny material but

now there's choices. Just search on google and you see lots of options. Many

autistic kids like the pressure.

I used a full size comforter on a twin bed and tuck it in tight. My son wants

the pressure and the tightness.

Once you are done dealing with the medical issues, the book " A work in Progress "

has an excellent chapter on sleeping issues. Its a good program to follow when

you are trying to get him to adjust to sleeping in his own bed. Don't try

tackling this until you are ready to have several sleepless nights and you have

the resolve to follow through. It tooks us about 2 weeks but we made it.

Melatonin is a natural substance that helps kids stay asleep. My son would

build up a tolerance overtime so we would use it for a while and then not.

Having a very calm and ritualistic bedtime was very good for my son.

Neurotherapy made him sleep better.

Hope some of these ideas help. Try not to be offended by rude people. Some

parents assume your kid is like theirs. And they aren't.

Jill

>

> I'm sure you all will be able to give me some

> inspiration...

>

> currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our

> living room, with the tv on low all night. We've

> tried a couple different times to transfer him to a

> regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty

> sight. However, he is getting too big for this

> papasan couch now, and we really need to do something

> else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in

> your living room really cuts down on what you can do

> at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,

> etc., can't really have anyone over.

>

> He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's

> been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.

> The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the

> light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of

> that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I

> don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion

> there).

>

> These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,

> would appreciate any input...

>

> Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would

> fall thru the floor!)

> hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,

> mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or

> something, although I really like the idea)

> featherbed (problem: allergies)

> body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the

> bed well enough, they got all knocked around)

> inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this

> right now, main concern is punctures)

>

> Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with

> this problem?

>

> Becky

>

[Guest guest]

We also used a weighted blanket when for our daughter when she was young and she loved it! We used weighted vests for awhile as well. I have a copy of "A Work In Progress", and probably won't be needing it anymore. You're welcome to have it if you want it. Just email your address privately and I will send it to you.

We also have used melatonin. In fact, my daughter still uses it from time to time. 1mg still does the trick for her

Miriam

Re: bed question, looking for ideas

Weighted blanket might be good. They used to be made of a funny material but now there's choices. Just search on google and you see lots of options. Many autistic kids like the pressure.

I used a full size comforter on a twin bed and tuck it in tight. My son wants the pressure and the tightness.

Once you are done dealing with the medical issues, the book "A work in Progress" has an excellent chapter on sleeping issues. Its a good program to follow when you are trying to get him to adjust to sleeping in his own bed. Don't try tackling this until you are ready to have several sleepless nights and you have the resolve to follow through. It tooks us about 2 weeks but we made it.

Melatonin is a natural substance that helps kids stay asleep. My son would build up a tolerance overtime so we would use it for a while and then not.

Having a very calm and ritualistic bedtime was very good for my son.

Neurotherapy made him sleep better.

Hope some of these ideas help. Try not to be offended by rude people. Some parents assume your kid is like theirs. And they aren't.

Jill

>

> I'm sure you all will be able to give me some

> inspiration...

>

> currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our

> living room, with the tv on low all night. We've

> tried a couple different times to transfer him to a

> regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty

> sight. However, he is getting too big for this

> papasan couch now, and we really need to do something

> else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in

> your living room really cuts down on what you can do

> at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,

> etc., can't really have anyone over.

>

> He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's

> been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.

> The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the

> light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of

> that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I

> don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion

> there).

>

> These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,

> would appreciate any input...

>

> Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would

> fall thru the floor!)

> hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,

> mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or

> something, although I really like the idea)

> featherbed (problem: allergies)

> body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the

> bed well enough, they got all knocked around)

> inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this

> right now, main concern is punctures)

>

> Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with

> this problem?

>

> Becky

>

[Guest guest]

You can also make your own weighted blanket on the cheap. I bought remnant fleece (very easy to sew because it doesn't fray, and remnants were half off the current price, so during a sale it was like $2/yd) and Poly Pellets at Wal-Mart (or a craft store with a coupon). Sew two large pieces of fleece together on three sides, then sew columns down from the open side. Pour in the Poly Pellets in even measure, sewing across the rows closed so that it ends up like a grid with even amounts of weight in each square. The pellets are machine washable and dryable. General recommendation is 10% of body weight plus 1 lb. So a 40 lb child would use a 5 lb. blanket. I made ours (slightly bigger than a crib-sized blanket) for about $15, compared to upwards of $60 retail. Twin sized

blankets can cost upwards of $100From: Jill <jgmangus@...>autism Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 5:08 PMSubject: Re: bed question, looking for ideas

Weighted blanket might be good. They used to be made of a funny material but now there's choices. Just search on google and you see lots of options. Many autistic kids like the pressure.

[Guest guest]

Hi I'm new to the site.

I have two children on the spectrum. Both with sensory issues. I've started

to make different sensory items such as weighted blankets, vests, pressure vests

sensory blankets and a new item I've invented is a sleep sac. It's sorta like a

sleeping bag that only goes up to your arm pits. it fastens with velcro and the

thery is that when you move at night you get more resistance and imput and sleep

is better. Just a thought. Email me for details.

I'm glad to be here and hope we can all help each other.

Connecticut

Mother of two on the spectrum.

> >

> > I'm sure you all will be able to give me some

> > inspiration...

> >

> > currently sleeps on a papasan couch, in our

> > living room, with the tv on low all night. We've

> > tried a couple different times to transfer him to a

> > regular bed, in another room, and it was not a pretty

> > sight. However, he is getting too big for this

> > papasan couch now, and we really need to do something

> > else. Besides that, having a sleeping 3-year-old in

> > your living room really cuts down on what you can do

> > at night... I have to leave the kitchen light off,

> > etc., can't really have anyone over.

> >

> > He seems to prefer the tight cocoon-ing thing. He's

> > been sleeping on this papasan for about 2 years now.

> > The tv, I'm not sure if it's the white noise, or the

> > light, but we haven't been able to wean him off of

> > that either. He currently does take Clonidine, but I

> > don't think it's doing much (whole nother discussion

> > there).

> >

> > These are the ideas/ suggestions we've had so far,

> > would appreciate any input...

> >

> > Waterbed (problem: old house, mommy is afraid it would

> > fall thru the floor!)

> > hammock (problem: he's 3 and gross motor delayed,

> > mommy afraid he would get stuck or flipped or

> > something, although I really like the idea)

> > featherbed (problem: allergies)

> > body pillows (tried it, couldn't secure them to the

> > bed well enough, they got all knocked around)

> > inflatable mattress with bumpers (looking at this

> > right now, main concern is punctures)

> >

> > Anything I'm missing? Anyone else had to deal with

> > this problem?

> >

> > Becky

> >

>