I have a child with autism that can not sleep without the television.?

Question

I have a child with autism that can not sleep without the television.?

Answer 1

You didn't really say if this is a big problem. For example does your child want it loud and it keeps up the rest of the household?  I would say if it's not a big problem, let her/him have it on...I'm sure you have other battles that are more important.  Or perhaps try some other type of "white noise" such as a fan.

Answer 2

Children who have autism suffer from many sensory difficulties and this could be the reason why your child needs the TV on in order to sleep.

This is probably an auditory problem and he needs the sound of the TV on in order to 'mask' other noises in the house that would otherwise disturb him.  

Many children with autism suffer from auditory hypersensitivity.  This is where the sensory tuning mechanism within the brain is acting to amplify the auditory signals coming into the brain fromm the environment.  It sounds like it is not happening so much with general background noise, but it may be happening with sudden sounds, such as a floorboards creaking or the house settling.  He has cleverly realised that the sound of the television can mask these distrubing sounds.

Does he have a bad reaction to sudden sounds, or an overexaggerated startle reaction?

Hope this helps.

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Answer 3

My 12 year-old daughter is autistic,sometimes she(we)don't sleep at all.She has grown out of some of her quirks,some of her rigidity has relaxed with time.Does the T.V.keep you awake?you could try a radio with headset.It's a very slow process,but with patience and LOTS of time they can be redirected,my son calls it re-programed,I think he just may be right.Some examples,around bedtime start introducing new things such story reading,a pleasant feeling snuggle toy or just talking in a low monotone voice.Start turning the T.V. off a little more during the day.My daughter wouldn't sleep unless every light in the house was on.I started loosening light bulbs gradually

until just a few were on,it took a long time!Now if she would just sleep I'd be okay!

Answer 4

Nothing unusual about that for NT's or autistic people.

Answer 5

sorry but what is your question? I would like to help but I don't know what your question is. Sorry

Answer 6

Please elaborate...I would love to help.

Answer 7

Is it the noise of the television which helps him/her sleep. Where exactly is the TV. If it's in his/her room then it should be ok. You just need to close the door or turn it down if it's keeping other members of the family awake. Then once he's.she's asleep you can turn it off.

If it's the turning off of the television which gets at him. Maybe you could wean him off the TV on to a radio or stereo.

These use a lot less energy (so you're bill will be lower) and are a lot easier to handle. You can put it on the radio and just leave it on the same station all night.  Or if you use a stereo you can get a multidisc player one or you can leave the same cd in the stereo all night with repeat. You can do repeat with the multidisc ones as well.

Answer 8

so what-neither can I-

of all things that could be a problem-this isn't so bad....

if you want to-consult with an  OT (occupational therapist) and ABA specialist (Applied Behavior Analysis) and develop a behavior program (positive reinforcement) and sensory activities that may help him adjust to a quiet room.

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