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Language Therapy as a Game
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===Bedtime=== Sound sleep is the foundation of our health, learning and growing. It is during deep sleep that our brain consolidates new information into long-term memory. Even more importantly, deep sleep flushes cellular waste out of the brain through cerebrospinal fluid. A buildup of wastes and toxins in the brain has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases and is the last thing a growing brain needs during the critical period. Sleep is especially important for your child, because of the mental, emotional and physiological strain of combating autism. Unfortunately, sleep problems are common on the spectrum. According to a 2019 study, nearly 80 percent of autistic children between the ages of 2 and 5 suffer from disrupted sleep.<div style="color:green"><ref> Reynolds, A. M., Soke, G. N., Sabourin, K. R., Hepburn, S., Katz, T., Wiggins, L. D., Schieve, L. A., & Levy, S. E. (2020). Sleep problems in 2- to 5-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays. Pediatric Collections: Autism Spectrum Disorder, 204–212. https://doi.org/10.1542/9781610024716-part05-ch016. </ref></div> Any improvement in sleep quality will have far-reaching consequences for your child’s near and remote future. I whole-heartedly support throwing the full weight of your parental authority behind these basic yet effective steps. They’re also an excellent reminder for us, adults, to practice healthy sleep habits. Physical exertion during the day is the best guarantee of a good night sleep. Give your child plenty of time for vigorous movement indoors and out. Encourage him to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, weeknights as well as weekends. Create a relaxing nightly routine at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Washing, brushing teeth, and reading a book can all be part of it. Avoid screen time within an hour of bedtime. Keep your child's bedroom cool and dark. If your child takes naps, schedule them early in the day to help him keep regular bedtime hours. If common sense precautions are not enough, consider the next set of harmless and well researched options to help your child fall and stay asleep. * White noise. Many autistic children prefer a low consistent background noise to complete silence as they fall asleep. Use a fan or a noise machine to create this effect. * Weighted blanket. Like a warm hug, a feeling of gentle pressure from a heavy blanket can soothe and comfort your child. Use a traditional boiled wool blanket during cold weather or a breathier version with glass beads sewn inside. * Melatonin. Some of the genetic mutations that cause autism also interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep cycle. Melatonin is available in supplement form and is a common sleep remedy for both children and adults. The lowest dose should suffice for your child. For very young children, break the tablet into smaller parts. There are no side effects of Melatonin taken in small doses. IMPORTANT: Melatonin helps fall asleep and its effectiveness wears out quickly. It should be given no more than 10 minutes before sleep. * Ashwagandha root extract. This herbal supplement has a long history of medicinal use. Recent studies support taking ashwagandha to improve brain function, treat insomnia, and relieve anxiety and stress. Melatonin and Ashwagandha can be given together10 minutes before sleep.
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