Kristine Hoffman, RPSGT,RST

Life Care Sleep and Health Center

Sleep Disorders and Special Needs Children

Aspergers, Autism and ADHD.Settling and waking issues.Caused by hypersensitivity to noise or touch.Lower levels of melatonin contribute.Downs syndrome, turrets, cerebral palsy.

Sleep disorders and Special Needs Children

The differences between home and the sleep center.

Why it can be a problem?How to make the situation easier on the

patient

Changes to Sleeping Environment

ToursBlankets and pillows from home.Becoming their friendExplaining the process

Easing the child into the situation

SchedulingRelaxation techniques Ask about preferencesWhite Noise Machine

Meeting the Families Needs

Loose leadsLeads offRestroom breaksVideotaping

Limit Entering the Room

Sleep TerrorsBed wettingUninvolved parentsExcessively tired child

Issues that Create the Bad night

Sleep rewards chartsWarm milkWalking away Smiles

Extremely Difficult Patients

30 % of children have sleep issues.The percentages are higher is special needs

kids.CausesWhat to look for:

Statistics

SmileBe open and honestTry to understandMake it a game

Embrace the Challenges