One exhausted Mummy...

[RareSapphire]

We've been battling for years with my daughter (8) to be diagnosed with autism/ADHD.

So many trips to the community paediatricians but due to being 'under the age bracket' we're still yet to have her diagnosed.

I'm really struggling with the broken sleep.

It's becoming worse than having a newborn baby..

She's been referred again as an urgent this time as traits are stronger now so keeping my fingers crossed someone takes us seriously this time.

Anyone else been through the same thing or going through the same thing who could give some advice / pointers...

I've asked for sleep analysis to be done but they've told me they can't???

It's getting to the point now where it's making me ill as I have a few health conditions & my body just is struggling...

Please be kind - the world is a horrible place at the moment.

• BUMPING POST TO SEE IF ANYONE CAN HELP** -

No experience, I'm afraid, but perhaps repost on one of the special needs boards?

Hey, my son is 4 years old.

We had a terrible time with his sleep. Like he would be awake 22 hours a day or something for 2 months around his 18 month mark.

We tried all sorts, change of diet (gluten and dairy free), cranial osteopathy, probiotics, vitamins. His sleep is good now so something worked I think.

Have you tried a weighted blanket?

Do you know you can apply for DLA without a diagnosis?

There is a page on fb called Autism Inclusivity ran by autistic adults who teach parents how to help their autistic children. It's been a game changer for us as a family.

Good luck xxx

@Bombleton

I haven't tried a weighted blanket but have had a couple of people mention this to me.

No I didn't know about DLA?!

I'm gonna have a look up that page on Facebook & join cause any information would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you so much xx

Apply for the DLA. Especially if you are providing care above and beyond your parent peers for a child of the same age. And around tbe clock too.

It will come in handy for buying things like weighted blankets which aren't cheap and also maybe getting a private OT or something. Xxx

@Bombleton

I had no idea about DLA..
Thank you, don't understand how you can claim with no diagnosis?!

I have also joined the Facebook group now :) xx

Good luck on that page. It can be a bit savage at times 😆 but honestly so helpful and it will be the best advice you can get.

DLA is needs based, not diagnosis based. I applied and got High rate care when he was 2, he didn't get diagnosed til 2.5 years later.

So if you are up for a few hours or several times in the night, dealing with meltdowns, sensory issues, travel to appointments, time spent doing therapy or preparing or avoiding certain activities...all this counts. Bath time for us takes forever due to transition and sensory problems, as an example. The form is harrowing to fill in because it takes forever and you are just writing about the negatives. Do it with a glass of wine and either before or after you do it, write a list of positives to cheer you up at the end.

If you need any help with it, PM me xxx

@Bombleton

You are a life saver thank you very much for all the information you have shared with me. It's honestly a great help. Never realised you could claim DLA for something like this!

Bless your heart x