José María Belló, physiotherapist at the Bello Physiotherapy Center, presents the case of Nadia, a 9-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who showed behavioral alterations, disruptive behaviors and significant sleep disorders. As he explains, the decision to begin treatment arose after observing the impact this situation was having not only on the girl herself, but also on the rest, well-being and daily dynamics of the entire family. The main objective was to intervene on nighttime awakenings and, from there, favor a global improvement in behavior and daily functioning.
Nadia’s mother relates that one of the main problems was that the girl would usually wake up around three in the morning and could no longer fall back asleep. This generated a cumulative effect of tiredness, irritability and lower tolerance during the day, with repercussions on her mood, coexistence and ability to socialize. After starting treatment with NESA, the most evident changes were observed precisely in rest. Nadia began to sleep better and, as a consequence, showed fewer disruptive behaviors, greater interest in playing with other people and a happier and more stable attitude.
Both the physiotherapist and the mother emphasize that the improvement in sleep had a direct effect on the quality of life of the girl and her environment. The case reflects how an approach aimed at regulating rest can positively impact multiple dimensions of children’s well-being.
