Question 1

Why does my child want to lay down all the time?

Accepted Answer

Children with autism often have difficulty regulating blood pressure, and as a consequence, their brains will not receive enough oxygen because of low blood pressure.  The brain discovers that laying flat or even slightly upside down will improve brain blood pressure and oxygen delivery to compensate for the problem.nnThe brain then essentially "commands" the child to lay flat, hang their head off the edge of the bed, or even perform a headstand to eliminate the stress of gravity, which increases brain blood pressure and oxygen delivery.

Question 2

Why does my child want to lay down all the time?

Accepted Answer

Children with autism often have difficulty regulating blood pressure, and as a consequence, their brains will not receive enough oxygen because of low blood pressure.  The brain discovers that laying flat or even slightly upside down will improve brain blood pressure and oxygen delivery to compensate for the problem.nnThe brain then essentially "commands" the child to lay flat, hang their head off the edge of the bed, or even perform a headstand to eliminate the stress of gravity, which increases brain blood pressure and oxygen delivery.