Hi, try giving melatonin syrup for sleep

Let me address several pieces of what you've described. The sleep problem deserves a closer look — and the medications may be part of the picture Before we go to sleep strategies, an important clinical point that's worth raising with his treating doctors: levetiracetam (Levipil) is an effective anti-seizure medication, but in children it is well-documented to cause behavioral side effects — including hyperactivity, irritability, and sleep disturbance. Published pediatric data suggests roughly 10-20% of children on levetiracetam experience meaningful behavioral activation or sleep disruption as a side effect. This is sometimes informally called "Levipil rage." Risperidone (Sizodon) is FDA-approved for irritability in autism and is generally sedating, but in some children it can cause paradoxical effects and it does change sleep architecture even when it produces drowsiness. What this means clinically: a meaningful share of your son's current hyperactivity and short sleep duration may be partly medication-driven, rather than purely a feature of his autism or ADHD. This is worth raising directly with his treating psychiatrist and neurologist. Things they may consider: Switching the anti-seizure medication — alternatives like valproate, oxcarbazepine, or lamotrigine may produce equal seizure control with a calmer behavioral profile in some children. This decision belongs entirely with the neurologist and should never be made without medical supervision. Adding pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) alongside levetiracetam — there is research evidence (Major et al. 2008 and others) showing that B6 supplementation can reduce levetiracetam-associated irritability and behavior change in children. Inexpensive, safe, evidence-based — but check with his doctor on dosing. Adjusting the timing or dose of risperidone — sometimes giving it earlier in the evening with food helps both sleep and side-effect profile. Practical sleep steps you can begin at home in parallel: Melatonin — there is strong evidence for low-dose melatonin (typically 1-3 mg, given 30-45 minutes before bedtime) in children with autism. It is among the first-line interventions for autism-related insomnia, safe, non-habit-forming, and well-tolerated. Discuss with his psychiatrist about an appropriate dose. Consistent visual bedtime routine — children with autism often respond very well to a visual bedtime sequence: bath → pajamas → story → lights out, each step represented by a small picture card on the wall. Predictability and routine matter even more here than they would for a neurotypical child. Reduce screen time and blue light for at least 90 minutes before bed. Even short screen exposure significantly suppresses melatonin production in children. Sensory regulation at bedtime — many autistic children settle better with a weighted blanket (typically 10% of body weight), dim warm lighting, white noise, and a calm pre-bed sensory routine. A few children find a warm bath with epsom salts deeply settling. Earlier exercise window — the 30 minutes daily you're doing is excellent. If it's currently happening in the evening, try shifting it to morning or early afternoon. Vigorous activity within 3 hours of bedtime can paradoxically activate children with autism's existing hyperarousal patterns. On the question of whether ADHD with autism can be cured I want to be honest with you, because you deserve a real answer rather than a vague one: autism is a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disease, and "cure" isn't the right framework. What is very possible — and what families work toward — is meaningful improvement: better sleep, better communication, calmer self-regulation, fewer behavioral challenges, stronger social engagement, and a happier child. Many children with consistent, integrated support reach significant independence and well-being, even when the underlying neurodiversity remains a part of who they are. The ADHD piece often does respond very well to treatment, and the seizures can often be brought to much better control as he grows. Treatments that often help most in a picture like your son's: Optimized medication management — reviewing current medications in light of their side-effect profiles, considering alternatives where appropriate Behavioral and developmental therapies (occupational therapy, speech therapy, ABA if relevant) — you're already doing this, which is exactly right; consistency over years is what makes the difference QEEG brain mapping + Neurofeedback — particularly useful for the ADHD-hyperactivity component, with growing evidence in pediatric populations Photobiomodulation (transcranial PBM / low-level light therapy) — an emerging, non-invasive treatment using gentle red and near-infrared light to support mitochondrial function and neural regulation in the developing brain. The early evidence in autism (multiple small RCTs published over the last few years) is genuinely encouraging — showing improvements in behavior, language, attention, and social engagement in many children — and the safety profile is excellent. At Mind Brain Institute we will be offering photobiomodulation soon as part of an integrated treatment plan for children with autism. It is not a cure, but it is a meaningful new adjunct for the right candidates. Sleep medicine consultation if sleep does not improve with the above steps