Peter's "Sleepover"
Sleep is a big issue for children (and parents) dealing with autism. Peter seems to have problems in this area more so than Nathan (although Nathan does too-- it's just not as bad). Last night, Peter wouldn't go to sleep. He refused to take a nap earlier in the day so I knew he was exhausted. Daddy went up twice to get him to go back to sleep and the third time out of the bed, I went up. I asked Peter what was wrong and, clear as day, he said "I want to sleep with Gabrielle." So I moved him into Gabrielle's room and let him get in bed with her but because it was different (and, of course, a majority of children with autism seem to have problems with change in routine) he again was having a hard time falling to sleep. And, of course, Gabrielle wanted him to stay because she hates the idea of sleeping by herself. We were quickly approaching midnight at this point and I was getting frustrated that he didn't want to leave Gabrielle but he wouldn't stay in bed ...