I am struggling big time with getting DS1 to bed.
He is 4.8yrs and mild ASD.
For months now every night it is a battle to get him to stay in bed. He gets his younger brother up and just blatently runs round throwing toys about and yelling and laughing for up to 2 hours every night.
He does need the sleep as he sleeps for 12 hours like clockwork from the time he goes to sleep, but he cant sleep in till 9am in the mornings so he has to go to bed earlier, about 7.30pm.
So far my technique has pretty much been to put him back in bed repeatedly for 2 hours each night. But have reached the end of my tether with this. It doesnt stop him. DS is very persistent!
He doesnt care about anything enough to be bothered at all by me threatening to remove it (have tried), the only thing he cares about is his computer time (which he gets taken away often these days) and being seperated from his brother (they are in bunk beds).
Tried taking DS2 out and putting him in my bed for a while each night as soon as they started messing about. DS2 then got a decent sleep, but did feel bad about him being shifted out when its not his fault.
DS1 still messing around on his own in the bedroom though and making almighty mess and noise with toys.
DH has hit on new idea.
In tiny spare room (box room really) we have stripped everything out except a little foam fold out bed. Its now the 'naughty room' and DS1 gets to go and sleep in there if he messes about when going to bed. Its got no toys in and isnt as comfy as his own bed/room. I feel a bit bad putting him to sleep in a 'naughty room' but tonight I got him to settle down (after initial messing about and warning and finally being put in the naughty room) in just under an hour, which is an improvement! Plus it means DS2 (who is mostly good as gold) gets to sleep undisturbed in his own bed.
Is it terrible to be doing this?
What else should I be doing?? Will try anything!