We had an eventful day and I’m fucking exhausted. The boys had their appointments this afternoon at Akron Children’s Hospital. The appointments went pretty well. Right now, we’re trying to deal with the excessive anxiety and sleep disruption both the boys are experiencing since their mom left earlier this summer.
It’s very difficult to tease apart ADHD and anxiety because they can present similarly.
There hasn’t been any major changes anything at this point. We did add a new medication to help with sleep for Elliott and nightmares for Emmett. Elliott is starting Clonidine and Emmett is starting something similar but I can’t remember the name.
Emmett began his new meds tonight but Elliott will have to wait until tomorrow cause his script hasn’t arrived yet.
We’re hoping that we can get their sleep issues under control and see if that helps with their overall existence.
Emmett has been all over the place and pretty much driving me crazy with his behaviors. He’s not manic but it sorta reminds me of mania. It’s been a really long day and I’m need to try and get some sleep while I can.
I almost forgot I wanted to comment about medications. I hope these new meds ease the boys into being able to rest more easily. Hopefully the meds will get them through this time.
Thanks Becky.. ☺
My son, at 21, hasn’t slept well most of his life. I got super sick last year for 3 months. He was devastated and has been stuck ever since. I’ve finally found him a therapist on our insurance. My understanding is that people on the spectrum get stuck..,,really stuck, with trauma or other major life changes. Hang in there
I don’t want this to come off the wrong way, but hasn’t Emmett always suffered from nightmares and problems sleeping and Elliott with extreme anxiety? I understand these can be increased with stress, but kids, even autistic kids, are pretty resilient and tend to accept change much better then some adults. It’s been over 2 months since their mom has left, but they’re in regular contact with her, go for overnight visits and attend counselling with her and the two of you are working together to ensure the boys don’t blame themselves or have to deal with “adult problems” which is MUCH more then what happens in most marriage breakups, so good on both you and Lizze!! On a “brighter” note, how did the boys like trick or treating?? Do you have any pics of them in costume? I’m sure they rocked the costumes and enjoyed the treats!! It’s nice when kids can be kids!
It’s not that simple. They’re slowly adjusting but they’re struggling everyday. Emmett’s nightmares average 2 times a night and Elliott’s been unable to fall asleep until 6 AM on some days.
Yes, Emmett’s historically had sleep issues and Elliott’s been anxious but the trauma of the losing their mom in daily life has made these already difficult issues, significantly worse.
Because sleep is being so adversely impacted, it’s tough to know what’s sleep related and what isn’t. The idea is to focus on helping them sleep better and see where we are. Make sense?
Sleep is always tricky especially with autistic people. My oldest son is doing well and working, and he regulates his own sleep. I still have sleep issues aggravated by fibromyalgia, medication, and of course my own autism.