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Question: I have a 2 1/2-year-old son with autism. He wakes up every night around 3 a.m. but is still clearly tired. He is usually so hyper. Any suggestions? Answer: Children with autism frequently suffer from sleep derangement, as well as hyperactivity. This is a difficult problem to handle, and many times medications are needed. Despite the well-described correlation of autism and sleep disorder, very little medical literature exists to guide therapy. Melatonin and clonidine have been helpful to some children, and clonidine is also sometimes useful for hyperactivity. While melatonin may be less helpful, it has fewer side effects, causing mostly gastrointestinal problems. Clonidine can cause dry mouth, low blood pressure, urinary retention and constipation. As always, behavioral therapy is important in autistic children.
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