Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

CPAP mask/machine - anyone try it on your ASD child?

DS still has obstructive sleep apena - even after T&A.  So, the next step is a CPAP mask.  The sleep specialists feels it's important to try because his brain waking up throughout the night since he stops breathing can be contributing to his ADHD like issues - poor attention, hyperactivity, coping skills.  

It breaks my heart that he has to try to wear this thing at night and they say the sleep can be worse at first due to an adjustment.  Even if he were to wear it - I'd probably be up all night checking it and seeing if he's still breathing!    I constantly am checking on him now.

Anyone try this?  I just don't see it happening.  They will do a fitting and train me, but still.....

I'm also going back to the ENT to see if we can do a nasal endoscopy to see what is going on.  He wouldn't try it last visit due to his autism - but now I have the sleep study report still showing sleep apnea.  So, maybe we can try it.

comments (3)

  • Hugs! I can't imagine ds wearing something like that but Ds just started wearing glasses and he got used to them fairly quickly.

    I get how you feel about watching him sleep. Ds had reflux and I would watch him all night or at least try to. My mom helped. We were so scared he would choke. I still wake up in my sleep to check on him. Luckily we co sleep (didn't plan to ).

    I hope it works out for you guys!
  • Have you tried tea tree oil? I use it at night for nasal, and have really improved breathing through my nose at night.

    I put a dab on a cotton ball by my pillow, or a dab under my nose before going to sleep.
  • Thanks Pbear - we are going to try to call it his elephant since it has a hose. I'm glad your son adjusted to glasses - that is encouraging!

    AL1CE - We have not tried trea oil. We are on Nasonex nightly and zyrtec during seasonal allergies. Those things have helped with the congestion and snoring, but not a cure for his apnea. But, I'm not sure if he's like the smell?

    I also wonder if something is physically blocking or too narrow and I'm hoping the ENT can get a look inside to rule in our out.

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