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Micelle78
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Almost always wakes crying
Micelle78
member
I have a question that has been bothering me a long time. DS just turned three and has Mixed-Receptive/Expressive language delay and lots of sensory issues. He wakes up (on his own) almost every time he sleeps--screaming and crying--similar to the way a very young toddler might cry (same sound pattern and flailing his arms and legs ---if that makes sense). He also looks out of it and does not respond to us talking to him. This could last a minute or five, just depends on the day.
Its not really hurting anyone, but it baffles me that its still happening. I guess it could be a sensory thing or that he has sleep issues. Since its hard to communicate with him--we can't ask him. He is VERY hard to get to bed at night. He usually falls asleep around midnight regardless of what we do during the day or when he woke up. We bed share (please don't judge as this has been the only way to get sleep in this house) and that gives him no reason to really be scared or anything. I just had a baby four months ago and somehow she sleeps through the craziness! I am not sure how long this will last though:)
Anyone else have something similar? I am thinking about bringing it up to his OT and ST this week. Thanks!
Its not really hurting anyone, but it baffles me that its still happening. I guess it could be a sensory thing or that he has sleep issues. Since its hard to communicate with him--we can't ask him. He is VERY hard to get to bed at night. He usually falls asleep around midnight regardless of what we do during the day or when he woke up. We bed share (please don't judge as this has been the only way to get sleep in this house) and that gives him no reason to really be scared or anything. I just had a baby four months ago and somehow she sleeps through the craziness! I am not sure how long this will last though:)
Anyone else have something similar? I am thinking about bringing it up to his OT and ST this week. Thanks!
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Re: Almost always wakes crying
He also recently developed issues going to sleep at night and will sometimes take an hour or more to fall asleep for the night, as well as being scared of the dark.
I don't have much advice just wanted to let you know you're not alone. If it seems like your LO doesn't acknowledge your presence maybe it could be night terrors?
I have found a few things that make waking up a little easier. He likes it when he wakes up and I'm still next to him. If I get up to start getting ready for work and he wakes up without me, it is worse. I get everything ready the night before so I can lay in bed with him longer in the morning. Not rushing him out of bed helps. I also give him milk soon after waking because it comforts him. And I put on his favorite movie, Cars, every morning to distract him while I get ready.
Basically find what comforts him and redirect his attention. My house can go from calm to crisis in seconds, I do what I can to keep things smooth. His ABA therapists are helping and he is improving all around. I don't foresee this continuing forever.
Good luck to you and do what you feel is best for your family.
Edit: He is also non-verbal, so like you, I can't ask him what is wrong.
I am thinking that he may be getting headaches from his eyes straining. He is going through a frequent tantrum phase too and doing things on purpose to get timeouts. I know this may be the stress of having a new sister (4 months) and that is how it comes out. I think stress has a lot to do with it. Like I said in my post, he has done this forever, but its that he is three now--thought he would be outgrowing it and its popping up more extreme lately. I appreciate all the suggestions. Thanks!