Some Autistic children have energy problems, so I'd go and ask a Medical Doctor if it's the Disorder itself, or if the child needs a vitamin to get through life.Our neuro said this is fairly typical of kids on the spectrum, or even w/ other neuro disorders. Our dd is high-energy for the most part, at times near-manic & extemely hyper, then has (like you state, 30% is about right for us too) moments, even days sometimes, of low energy (prefers to be by herself, sit on couch, watch tv or look through books, doesn't speak, etc.). He said it's common, not to worry.
I don't know about kids, but speaking for myself, I'm tired/lethargic/fatigued about 85% of the time. I wish to God I knew what was wrong and how to help it. I drink energy drinks all day and take pseudephed (not a very safe practice) to stay awake, and even that doesn't work. I'd say fatigue is my most debilitating problem. I've tried Provigil (Modafinil), Prozac, and lots of vitamins/supplements, but to no avail.
The fatigue didn't set in until I was 12 years old. Mold, certain foods, stress, and other factors aggravate it, but nothing makes it leave completely. I sleep all the time and never feel refreshed.
Sorry to vent and stray from the topic. B12 or a good B-complex supplement (sublingual, liquid, or injection for absorption) could help. Keep in mind that the body needs over 40 nutrients to function properly and that no single vitamin/mineral will be a "magic bullet". If there's a deficiency, it could help dramatically though. B6 deficiency is common in many ASD kids, as is magnesium, calcium, and pretty much any other vitamin/min. you could imagine. Autism seems to have a definite whole body effect, centering mostly on the gut, immune system, and brain. A good multivitamin plus extra B-complex and vitamin C is a great start.
I'd Google "ODA vitamins" "Optimal Daily Allowance" or "Megadose Vitamins" to find out what the maximum amount of each nutrient is, as the RDA (recommended daily allowance) is the bare minimum of what's needed to MAINTAIN health, not improve it.
Hope that was helpful!
I will look into that. Thanks!
Glad to hear it! Refined (white) carbs are hard to digest and are probably responsible for a lot of the sluggishness people experience.
I wish I could make myself eat more healthy foods...or just more foods in general. My diet's pretty limited: if I'm not allergic to something, chances are I'm too picky to eat it. I take supplements, but all they really help is my menstrual cramps.
Hope you find something to help your child's energy levels. Good luck! :)
I am wondering if a sensory diet might help. Sam is lethargic about 30% of the time. He has low muscle tone, a slightly ackward gait/run, quite slim, low energy mixed with periods of high energy though rarely hyper. Since including a sensory diet, including stuff like fast, high, swinging in the hamock , or twirling in the cuddle swing, or just covering him with couch cushions and trying to squish him while he squirms out, Sam's energy levels are more even. I try to be aware of Sam's sensory needs to help him become more aware of his own body.
Even with this therapy, Sam still has periods where he can't get off the couch. I notice this especially after periods of emotional stress. Deep pressure to the sole of Sam's feet seem to make him feel more grounded or connected.
Mama to Sam 8yrs, PDD NOS OCD ODD PPD
Mama to Sam,