Barry - that is not a fair question to ask this forum. We cannot make
the judgement, nor is it fair to ask our advise in the circumstances
you state. You must take the advise of the authorities that have
identified your daughter as being special needs and whether she needs
to have constant temperature or not.

The reason I say this is that 'special needs' does cover a wide range
of disability and it is only with that information that an opinion can
be passed - and with all due respect, there would need to be a
specialist with that area of knowledge on this forum to be able to
assist you.

Rob

Seconded.

As a general principle, if you switch off heating when you don't need it you
will use less energy. You will all be more comfortable the longer the
heating is on, but it will cost more. I don't think I would be going for
"short, sharp blasts" here, I'd be draft proofing, insulating, keeping
internal doors shut, and perhaps dropping the thermostat a degree or two to
make savings.