bedtime nightmare!

[sparklyDMs]

I'm hoping you may be able to give me some tips on settling 10 yr old dts1 at bedtime. I think he may have PDA, but it's a long wait for referrals..he masks at school and in front of his Dad too, so it's also taken a long time for him to back me up on trying to get a dx.
I had a strategy of a 'stretch and sink' routine followed by deep breathing which was great. In the last few days, I can't get as far as doing it, he says his brain doesn't work and repeatedly rubs around hitting dts2 and dd1 with whatever is in his hand - soft toy or similar. If I restrain and remove it, he will resume again with something else. I need to settle him, particularly as it's so hard on the other DC's, but I have no idea what to do - I'd be grateful for any advice.

[Lesley25]

We also do lots of trampolining and recently brought an indoor bouncy castle second hand- it was originally from Argos but is great in the winter, when we can't use he trampoline outside. We also use a huge gym ball for rolling before bedtime. I would say ds does all this for about an hour in total before bed.

[sparklyDMs]

Thank you, I'm realising that I've been going about it all wrong- I've been trying calming things rather than things to use up energy.. Change of tack required. Rather intrigued by a body sock!

[sparklyDMs]

Thanks for the body sock pic - I can see that'd be right up his street!. I've also wondered whether to let him play a DS game at bedtime as he uses a screen to unwind after school, but it's like you say, contrary to the norm.
Thank you