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A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Los Angeles, CA

My son is 11, non verbal. He has not been able to have a full night sleep since over a week ago. (and neither have I) Allergies are also acting up. I was hoping to get tips or ideas on how to treat. I have looked into melatonin, but I cannot find a lower dose other than 500mg. Any suggestions would be appreciated. thank you.

March 21, 2013
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent seeking help for their 11-year-old nonverbal son struggling with insomnia for over a week, offering a range of... Read more

Members rallied around a parent seeking help for their 11-year-old nonverbal son struggling with insomnia for over a week, offering a range of practical strategies that have worked in their own families. Several members recommended melatonin in lower doses (1mg and 3mg available at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, or pharmacies), with many sharing that it helps their children both fall asleep and stay asleep without grogginess, while others suggested treating allergies with children's allergy medicine or the herbal remedy quercetin. A recurring theme was the importance of creating calming bedtime routines, including lavender-scented candles, calming lotions, massage, and even neurotherapy to help quiet an overstimulated brain, with compassionate reminders to seek help from family or friends so the caregiver can also rest during this exhausting time.

A MyAutismTeam Member

We also had that problem. When my neurologist recommended melotonin, we have been on it since. I find 1 mg at my local GNC and they are cherry flavored that disolve under your tongue. I can only find 3mg and above every where else and they dont work as well as the 1 mg for us. I hope this helps

March 21, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

I use Yankee candle lavender and vanilla scented candles also with a spray called monster be gone. I also massage his arms,legs,shoulders, and back with baby magic calming lotion. I tried Johnson and Johnson calming lotion but he does not like it

March 21, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Bless your heart! I know you have tried everything. You can break the 500mg and ask the pharmacist if they can help you capsule them.
Getting him a puppy was what brought the best results, but even that took a lot of work.
He eventually grew out of it. But I know what you are going through.
But the most important thing I can advise you is to get a close family member or friend to help you out from time to time so you can sleep, until you figure this out.

March 21, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

so happy to hear that. Hope it keeps up!

March 29, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thank you. I did and I dont want to jinx myself, but the nights are getting a little better. =)

March 28, 2013

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