Trouble Sleeping

Sleep problems are very common in children with ASD. Insufficient sleep can result in sleepiness during the daytime, trouble concentrating and behavioral issues. It is important to address medical or psychiatric issues that potentially interfere with sleep. Once these issues have been ruled out, strategies for helping children with ASD develop a good sleep hygiene can be put in place.

Here is a list of different strategies for developing a good sleep hygiene:

1. Be aware of sleep environment: Children with ASD might be particular senstive to noises and/or have sensory issues; therefore, the environment should be adapted to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. For example, ensure that the room they are sleeping in is dark, quiet and cool.

2. Establish a bedtime routine: the routine should be predictable, relatively short (20–30 minutes) and include relaxing activities such as reading or listening to quiet music. Avoid the use of electronics close to bedtime such as TV, computer, video games etc. that can be stimulating making it difficult for your child to fall asleep.

• Here is the bedtime routine I created for D. Since I work with him at his daycare, I usually see him during lunch since we are working on expanding his very restricted diet. I know that D. loves counting, so the visual schedule was very helpful because it made it fun for D. to count and go through all the steps.

3. Sleep\wake schedule: the schedule should be regular with not much of a difference between the weekday and weekend schedule. Once again, we are trying to make these schedules as predictable and consistent as possible in order for them to be effective and to avoid the child experiencing anxiety or having a tantrum.

4. Physical Activity: Daytime physical activity can make it easier for children to fall asleep because it helps them to release any extra energy they may have! However, avoid exercising too close to bedtime as it can make it difficult for children to fall asleep.

Reference:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/health-and-wellness/sleep