Mum Susan got in touch to explain how our Sleep Advice Service supported her with information and strategies specifically tailored to her son Jackson’s individual needs.

Susan tells us:

“Our son Jackson is four years old. He was born with a genetic condition which effects all areas of his development and health. Despite many challenges from birth, he is the happiest little boy with a wicked laugh and sense of humour. Although he is unstable on his feet and finds walking challenging, he enjoys all things physical and pushes himself every day to go further and do more. Swimming is his favourite activity, and he loves the water.

Due to his genetic condition Jackson is impaired across all areas of his development. Jackson is unable to communicate in any form, which makes it difficult for us to interpret his wants and needs. He finds walking outside challenging and has frequent falls, this coupled with a reduced sense of safety awareness and not being able to follow instructions means he requires constant supervision at all times. Jackson has sensory processing difficulties and is constantly sensory seeking and finds it difficult to stay still or rest.

We asked Cerebra’s Sleep Advice Service for help as Jackson has difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep. We had sought help previously through the paediatric service at our hospital however, found that the advice was generic and not applicable to Jackson.

We were given a Sleep Practitioner who gave us support and information regarding Jackson’s sleep. She suggested that many of his difficulties in getting to sleep at night was due to his sensory seeking behaviours. She supported us to understand the natural sleep cycle and how this differed in Jackson and gave us the confidence to continue with strategies that we found helpful but were normally advised against such. For example, staying with Jackson until he fell asleep at night to give him that sensory input he needed.

I was very impressed with the Cerebra’s Sleep Service. I felt like our Practitioner really spent the time to get to know Jackson and us and some of the difficulties that he faces and how this might impact on his sleep. The information provided was individualised to Jackson and there was good knowledge of sensory seeking behaviours and how this might impact on his sleep.

Jackson’s sleep remains variable at times however, overall, we have seen an improvement in his sleep cycle. As a family and as parents, we feel less stressed about Jackson’s sleep and feel empowered to support him in a way that works for him and for us”.

From detailed guides to sleep tips to individual support, our Sleep Advice Service is there to help your child – and everyone in your family – get a good night’s sleep.