Kids Health The Newsletter About Taking Care Of The Ones That Matter Most
February, 2018
“Need Some Tips For Putting Your Child To Bed?” BEDTIME ROUTINE FOR YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD?
Inside:
• Why Seek Help For Fine Motor Concerns
• Staff Spotlight
• Writing A Review Is Just A Click Away
Fortunately, there is one strategy that will likely reduce the battles and benefit everyone in the family -- having a bedtime routine. Here’s why that one step can make such a huge difference. Importance of Bedtime Routines. The most important reason to enforce routines with special needs children is that having them builds self-esteem. When a child in pediatric therapy knows what is expected of them and how long they have to complete tasks, they can better manage their time and behavior. The predictability reduces the sense of chaos and frustrating so many of these kids experience. It can also help your child reach developmental milestones through early intervention. Routine and structure help children feel safe. The repetition of getting ready for bed signals to your child what to expect, thereby building a sense of security. Bedtime routines encourage children to soothe themselves and relax, especially if you teach some effective relaxation tricks, such as tensing and relaxing different parts of the body. All of these components put together equal a much happier family. Sleep Tips for Kids With Special Needs. It’s all great and well to say that you need a bedtime routine, but what does that consist of, exactly? How can you transition from chaos to calm? Read below for some tips. • Create a visual reminder of the routine. Use pictures and/or words to illustrate exactly what needs to be done and in what order, then post in your child’s bathroom or bedroom.
• Help your child develop self-regulation skills. He may not recognize the sensation of drowsiness, so you may have to explicitly teach this skill. Begin by touching different body parts and quietly saying, “Your stomach is quiet. Your hands are quiet” and so on. • Read the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. It providesexcellent insight intostrategies forworkingwithchildrenofallages. • Studies show that children with autism and ADHD tend to have elevated levelsofmelatonin (thesleephormone) in themorningand reducedamounts at night. To reset the body’s circadian rhythms, consider spending at least ten minutes outdoors in the early morning, around noon, and again at dusk. •Consultwithadoctorspecializing inpediatrics fora fullphysicalevaluation. Children with special needs often have coexisting conditions that interfere with sleep, including sleep apnea, acid reflux, constipation, and restless leg syndrome. • Seek out the assistance of a pediatric physical therapist. Pediatric physical therapy can help your child build the strength, balance, and motion needed to thrive. Being able to do these activities also helps with sleep. More, it can help your child develop self-care routines that aid in sleep and provide the family with strategies to assist. When sleep interferes with wakefulness, there is a problem. Help your family develop a bedtime routine that everyone can adhere to for a better night’s rest.
centerforpediatrictherapies.com
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