My son is 10 and was diagnosed with Asperger's at the age of 8. He was making great strides in school until recently. He is having a really hard time staying focused during the school day. He appears to be really tired at times even falling asleep even though he's gotten at least 10 hours of sleep the night before. He takes Melatonin (1mg) and has for about a year now every night about 45 minutes before bed time. There has been no change in his dose or diet. His teachers and I are completely confused as to why he is acting the way he is. Tired, drowsy, zoned out, zombie-like state. If anyone can please help if they have or are experiencing this with their child, I would much appreciate a response. My husband and I are so lost, confused and upset that we can't help me. Everything we have tried has been unsuccessful. Thanks in advance for your help. L.
Have you looked into food allergies? Sometimes things can be so simple as one little thing in the diet. Many food allergies mimic other conditions that regular MDs miss. I would recommend an alternative healthcare pro. They are incredible! If you would like to look into it, please email me at ____@____.com (the space is an underscore)
My son who is nine also has aspergers. He went through a stage where he was having some trouble focusing also. We were told to increase the melatonin dose to 2 mg. He has gained weight since he was taken off the adhd meds. I think he is sleeping much sounder. My son sometimes in the winter months has more behavior issues then in the spring and summer. Not sure why. He sure keeps us on our toes.
Good luck
Hi L..
My son also has Asperger's, he is 15 though and he was just diagnosed last year.
We have gone through the same thing when he was that age and he still sometimes does it, but not as often now. What we thought was going on, every time he fell asleep at school, even if he got a full nights sleep, was that maybe he was "shutting down" because he was frustrated, upset or overwhelmed. We were really not sure though. We really still aren't sure, because when we would try to ask him why he did that, he wouldn't know or he would just say that he was tired. Before that, he was doing well in school also.
Does he see a behavior therapist who specializes in the Autistic Spectrum by any chance? They might have some ideas.
We are still trying to get my son into an AI program and get him with a therapist who specializes in the Autistic Spectrum.
I'm sorry that I can't be more help, but I hope that it helps a bit knowing that someone else has gone through the same thing.
Good luck,
Jenn
I have heard alot about this and ranch dressing! Does your child eat Ranch? I`ve also heard it on Ketchup??! I`ve heard both of these items cause alot of side effects.
My daughter was taking a lot of meds for her sleep issues. One thing that really has helped is that on Friday night I give her permission to stay up all night if she wants, but she has to sleep on school nights. She is now 13 and can see the importance of needing her sleep. Saturday night is up in the air on if she gets herself back on track or if she uses that night to do her thing too.
Feel free to contact me if you want. I live in Redford.
###-###-#### or my emai address is ____@____.com
C.
does he take meds for the aspergers? maybe its time for a dosage change? is he sleeping through the night and not waking up in the middle?
talk to his doctor...
I am sorry to hear that your son is experiencing new frustrating symptoms. Have you looked into alternative care for him?
Chiropractors are not neck and back pain doctors, we are nervous system doctors. Our bodies are self healing and self organizing. The central nervous system (our brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (the nerves that branch out of the spinal cord and go to the cells, tissues, and organs in our bodies) control how our bodies heal and organize itself. If there is any interference in the communication of our nervous system with the body, then there will either be increased activity or decreased activity, either way the body is no longer functioning at it’s highest potential. Chiropractors call this interference a subluxation (sub-lux-a-tion). This interference/subluxation is caused by three major life stresses- Physical stress (trauma, repetitive motions, poor posture); Biochemical stress (preservatives in food, drugs- prescription, alcohol, smoking); and Mental or Emotional stress.
As you probably already know, Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurological developmental compromise. This neurological interference is resulting in developmental cognitive and social behavior compromise. If spinal nerve interference exists it may increase the symptomatic presentation and if it is corrected then the symptomatic presentation may decrease. There is no medication that will correct this interference, it will only mask the symptoms and create additional interference to the neurological system. For a support group, I do know of Mary Tocco with Michigan Opposing Mandatory Vaccines (M.O.M.) she may be able to help you find out some more information about Asperger’s Syndrome. Her website is www.salineguide.com.mom. I am a Chiropractor at Khalil Family Chiropractic Wellness and Intervention in Eastpointe, MI. Please feel free to contact our office for more information. Our number is ###-###-####, our email is www.khalilwellness.com
Yours in finding new ways for a better tomorrow
Dr. B.
You may want to look at his diet to start. Many kids (especially with neurological issues) are extremely sensitive to food additives, dyes, chemicals, etc.
Try feeding only whole foods, that means nothing from a box and nothing you can't pronounce. Also, be sure he is eating good, clean protein every morning and not experiencing the typical sugar crash from boxed cereals, etc.
Best of luck!
HI,
I don't have a child with Asperger's, my nephew has it. He's 9. He also seems to zone out at times. My brother and sister-in-law are currently trying a gluten free diet with him. He's been on it about a month and seems ALOT different to me. He seems more connected. Have you tried the diet change with your son? My nephew can actually have a conversation that lasts more then a minute, where you were hard pressed to get an answer to a simple question before the diet change. Just an idea, Good Luck!
I don't have an email for this family (it's my husband's cousin and his wife). Their daughter is a teenager now, but they might have some insight into your problem. Why don't you write them a letter and send it by snail mail. If they feel comfortable, I'm sure they will respond. My name is Sue Fraser, ____@____.com are:
Martin and Willie Richardson
2343 Town Hall Rd.
Mr. Horeb, WI 53572
I hope they can help you.
Talk to his Doctor.
Maybe he is going thru a growth spurt and something in his body has changed chemically. Thus his meds may need to be adjusted.
There is a really good book by a guy that has aspergers. I cant recall the name of it, but Augusten Burroughs wrote Running with Scissors, and his brother is the one with Aspergers, and he wrote a book about it. There is also a lot of stories in Augsten Burroughs short story books about his brother, all really funny stories. His brother designed guitars for KISS, among other things, maybe it would help you to read about someone who had it, and who was successful not in spite of it, but because of it. Good luck with everything.
Remember to check both places you posted this request. I responded to your "Daytime Sleep Patterns and Aspbergers" request. Most people are saying the same thing - go to a psychiatrist that specialized in Autism/Aspbergers and let them know what he's on and what kind of reaction he's having. It sounds like the meds aren't working anymore and/or he may be getting ready for a growth spurt. A psychiatrist will be better able to help you. If you are in the Oakland or Macomb area I can give you information on an organization that specializes in those areas if you'd like - just let me know. - Remember to keep your head up - you'll find the answer and things will get better. S.
I am a former special education teacher who has worked with children with Asperger's. Just a couple of thoughts. Hormones could be starting which could affect the dose. Have you spoken to your doctor about that? Does the tired, drowsy, zoned out, zombie-like state only happen at certain times? When does everyone notice them? Try to see if there is a pattern or activity that triggers this behavior. Discuss this with your doctor too. I am not a doctor , so I can not diagnosis.
D. O
Hi J. single sahm mom of two asperger's girls. My daughters are nine and 12. They were diagnosied at a much younger age the nine yr old was diagnosed at three 1/2 and the other at five. They are on perscription medications for whole slew of other issues depression,anxiety,oppositional defiant disorder,adhd and a few others. They also have several problems with different foods that I have to be careful to keep them away from. As you know no Autistic child is the same. It sounds like, Im not sure though there could be a possiblity that the melitonin isnt working for him, I mean from your description it sounds like he is getting too much, but I know that is not the case. To be safe you may want to take him to the dr. let them know what he is taking and how much and his symptoms to make sure its not some allergic reaction. Gl let us know. If you ever need any help with anything please feel free to ask me :) ____@____.com
