Sleep, the Elusive Frontier

Ironically, most nights I'd sleep just fine ... if the kids would let me. James in particular has become a challenge. I had heard that sometime kids on the spectrum have difficulties with staying asleep and getting enough sleep. For the first five years, this was not an issue, unless James was ill.

Then November 2010 struck, and suddenly, I'd wake up and find James standing in the middle of a cold, dark house. Motionless, and setting the stage for catching a cold and making me worry that he'd unlock the door and take off one night.

Then he'd get up at ungodly hours and expect to start his day. As early as 3-frickin' ack-emma. S-l-o-w-l-y I got him into the routine of resting with lights out, quiet and door open (before 6am); lights on, door closed and playing quietly (between 6 and 7; iPad permissible after 6:30); play with iPad in or out of room or quiet video time (between 7 and 8).

I've tried some melatonin, with limited success. I almost welcome colds because then I can break out the Benedryl (or at least it's generic equivalent). I try to keep to a consistent bedtime and ensure that James has had enough exercise during the day. Being able to sleep through the night is still an issue.

The sofa and I have become good friends and I'm not exactly happy about that. Because now if I'm not in the sofa, James will yell for me nonstop until I appear and wake up the entire house. I know, I set that up to happen. Still have nightmares about the unlocked door though.

So I was really excited to read on Autism Speaks' blog that there will be a webchat titled Sleep Strategies for Children with Autism: A Parent’s Guide on February 21. Tips *and* a toolkit? I'll be there (unless I am so tired that I forget, in which case I'll still visit the website and get the toolkit).

Now, I am off to read my daughter some Charlie Bone, and snuggle up to the sofa.

Friday Night Specials

There have been capes on heads, a tent in the living room, and shark chases down the hall. It's looking like a Friday night. And oh how we've needed it!

We've gone through several rounds of colds, low-sleep nights, and been off our routines Today finally felt like seeing a light at the end of the tunnel (in a good way). I got caught up on lots of delayed tasks that weighed on my conscience. I took my daughter to go see a matinee on her day off school. This is what we saw:

We loved it!

The day started unusually, with James sleeping in, therefore myself as well. I can't remember the last time I woke up after 6:30 on a weekday morning, which is semi-pathetic. We finished up assembling James' Valentines to distribute, his second day back in school. I could tell that we were not going to make the bell for arrival, so instead of rushing him, I called the school and let them know that he was coming, but late.

With that pressure relieved, I took and extra 15 minutes to help James finish his math and practice some writing for his homework, which he was too tired to do last night. He arrived at school happy and ready to go. His classmates were just coming in from recess. Their schedules are off too, because the entire class is being assessed for report cards this week. Both James' teacher and aide reported he had a really good day, with excellent school work, test responses, and listening. Awesome!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch house, the impromptu Wild Kingdom lesson on the House Cat gave way to bedtime routine, with James' sister putting him capably to bed as only she can. I swear, he dropped off in less than 5 minutes without a peep. She gets a bonus this week with her allowance for all the times she's gotten him ready for bed and off to sleep for me.

"I'll just stand over here while Jim attempts to bathe the House Cat ..."

Compensations

James is my early riser, and because he wanders or stands in the middle of a cold house in pre-dawn hours, I've got into the habit of waking when he does to make sure he stays in his warm bed as long as possible.

I am so not a morning person. But this shift in my life does come with compensations. Early morning smiles from a very cute little guy and some fantastic moments in the garden as I wait for the coffee to brew and breakfast to cook. This morning was especially enjoyable.

SOOC Saturday: Science Exhibit

This week, James' school had it's first science exhibit, put on by the Charles M. Schultz Museum. As this was a challenging week for James, his aide told me that his difficulties with concentration, coupled with all the loud background noise meant his classroom visit was short. His teacher reminded me that there would be a Family Night  and encouraged us to come.

So with about an hour to go on the event, I bundled up the kiddos and brought them over to the school. The stars were out overhead and the place was surprisingly full. As it was not too noisy, we stayed the entire hour.

James really liked the water cycle board:

His sister was fascinated by earthworms and the tiny camera and light instrument that magnified them.

There were tables and equipment for examining rocks, making paper, animation strips, and bird feeding (as in the birds feeding themselves).

What really caught the imagination of both? The Fan:

A scientific experiment for the SOOC action at Marvelous Mommy's blog. Come on over to see more or join in!

A Love Note Most Precious

He was diagnosed with ASD. He was 2, almost 3.

Take time to mourn the loss of a dream, I was told.

They said our son might never speak verbally.

They said he was probably retarded, and might never be able to accomplish many things, including writing.

Look what our sunny kid did today in his mainstream class, along with his peers:

And you know what else? He looked me right in the eye and gave me a huge bear hug when he gave this to me. My heart is singing.

Special Exposure / Wordless Weds: Party Guy!

Some photos from James' birthday party with his friends. The first I've attempted to do in 2 years and I had to organize and run it solo; so thank you, Funky Monkey, for making the magic happen for my special guy so he could celebrate turning 7 with his friends:

For more images from the heart and to share some of yours,
visit Special Exposure Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Special Needs.






               and ... Wordless Wednesday

James Has Named You

Meet Mona Lee-see-ya!

James sometimes enjoys his own names for things.

















P.S. "15" = Fiveteen. Just try to correct him. He'll laugh like crazy.