Broken nights at 4

[converseconvert]

4yr old DS who is possibly on the spectrum has started getting up during the night after sleeping through since he was months old. For the past couple of weeks he has gradually been getting up more and more and got up 12 times last night. He is also becoming more clingy during the day and screams at the slightest thing. He was sent home from nursery last week as he would not tolerate any of the other children going near him and his key worker thought he might be hanging for something but it now seems his behaviour during the day is down to his lack of sleep at night. We're at our wits end now. The broken nights are starting to take their toll on us and his screaming during the day just adds to it. We haven't got a clue how to tackle this. I've spoken to our health visitor but she just said it's a stage he will grow out of. Any advice would be brilliant.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I'd take him to the GP to get him checked over, you need to eliminate things like ear infections, which could easily cause sleep disturbance.

If you think that DS is on the spectrum, are you getting any help with this? Does the GP know that this is what you are thinking? Have you tried posting on the Special Needs board too, you might get some more responses.

Have a look at this book too. Its not a quick fix but will provide you with lots of information and support .

[converseconvert]

I thought of ear infection but he's not running a temperature. Might be worth making an appointment to check out.

As of yet he's not diagnosed but his consultant thinks on spectrum. Blood tests have indicated missing genetic material which is being further investigated. We get support from SALT and his nursery. They are all unsure what to do about night times. I'll try copying post onto special needs see if anybody has any tips.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

My DS has had an ear infection without a temperature, so it might be worth checking out.

Hope you get more response on Special Needs, or even on the Sleep Board .