The Ultimate Guide to Helping Children With Autism Sleep Soundly at Night

It can be difficult for children with autism and other special needs to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. Those lost hours of slumber not only take a toll on the children – who may be more irritable and prone to behavior problems – but also on their bleary-eyed parents. If you are struggling to help your child “power down” or relax at night, you are not alone.

Just how far-reaching is the problem? Research has found that 40 to 80 percent of people on the autism spectrum struggle to sleep. These problems include waking early in the morning, waking frequently at night, not being able to fall asleep at night, sleeping for only short periods, daytime sleepiness, and irregular or erratic sleep patterns. Many parents report that their children with autism struggle with bedtime meltdowns, inability to sleep in a bed, frequent night terrors, nighttime wandering or sleepwalking, and even binge eating at night. All of these behaviors add up to lack of sleep for the entire family.

Children, both neurotypical and those with special needs, need sufficient sleep to grow and develop. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that toddlers (between the ages of one and two) sleep 11 to 14 hours a day, including nap times. As they progress into the preschool years (ages three to five), the need drops to 10 to 13 hours per day, which may be divided between nighttime sleep and nap time. Between ages six and 13, children need nine to 11 hours of sleep per day, without naps.

In a household with a child who has sleep concerns, those numbers may seem out of reach. Nighttime wakefulness and lack of sleep can lead to more meltdowns and behavior challenges for the special-needs child and increased irritability and stress for the whole family. Parents and children who do not get enough sleep are at higher risk for illness because sleep is critical for the immune system.

So why do so many children with autism or special needs struggle to sleep well? Research is ongoing, but there are a number of potential causes. Some of these include:

Abnormal circadian rhythms. The circadian rhythm is the body’s natural sleep cycle. In children with sensory processing differences, including children with autism, this can be disrupted. In other words, children with autism may not naturally get sleepy when it is dark and wake up when it is light.

The circadian rhythm is the body’s natural sleep cycle. In children with sensory processing differences, including children with autism, this can be disrupted. In other words, children with autism may not naturally get sleepy when it is dark and wake up when it is light. Not perceiving social cues. Many elements of sleep hygiene are based on social cues. Observable changes like going upstairs, turning off lights, or seeing siblings get ready for bed are subconscious signals that bedtime is near. However, many children with autism have vibrant inner worlds and may have difficulty perceiving or interpreting these external signals.

Many elements of sleep hygiene are based on social cues. Observable changes like going upstairs, turning off lights, or seeing siblings get ready for bed are subconscious signals that bedtime is near. However, many children with autism have vibrant inner worlds and may have difficulty perceiving or interpreting these external signals. Anxiety or neurological conditions. If a child with special needs has additional neurological or mental health conditions, like anxiety or epilepsy, sleep struggles will be worse. This can include fears and racing or repetitive thoughts.

If a child with special needs has additional neurological or mental health conditions, like anxiety or epilepsy, sleep struggles will be worse. This can include fears and racing or repetitive thoughts. Physical discomfort. Children who suffer from reflux or constipation, but cannot express their medical need to a caregiver, may struggle to sleep.

Children who suffer from reflux or constipation, but cannot express their medical need to a caregiver, may struggle to sleep. Insufficient melatonin production. If the body does not naturally create melatonin, a hormone that signals sleep, the child will struggle to fall asleep.

If the body does not naturally create melatonin, a hormone that signals sleep, the child will struggle to fall asleep. Hypersensitive sensory system. A sensory system that is alert to all environmental factors can prohibit sleep when even the smallest change in the environment occurs. Dishwashers, air flow, squeaky doors, light leaks, or other household stimuli can be a problem.

Clearly, this is a complex challenge without a simple solution. That’s why this guide includes more than 90 tips to help your family get more restful sleep. All children have unique needs, likes, and dislikes so it might take some trial and error to find the strategies that work for your son or daughter. But with some persistence, you can achieve better sleep for your special child and the rest of your family.

First Steps

Before you can start changing the home environment to encourage better sleep, you need to see if there are any medical factors that affect your child’s sleep. If sleeplessness is due to a medical condition that is unrelated to the child’s autism, then changing the home environment will do little good. A thorough medical evaluation and any recommendations from your child’s doctor are important first steps.

Make an appointment with your child’s doctor to determine if there are any medical issues that could be causing the sleeplessness. A thorough physical exam is the first step to take. Sometimes small medical issues, like bladder concerns, can keep a child with autism up at night.

A thorough physical exam is the first step to take. Sometimes small medical issues, like bladder concerns, can keep a child with autism up at night. Keep a sleep diary. Track your child’s sleep patterns for at least a week. Note when and how long your child sleeps, how often your child gets up, and anything you notice like snoring, body position, unusual movements and so forth. (If your child will tolerate wearing a sleep-tracking device, it can provide detailed insights.) How does your child’s behavior differ the day after sleeping well or sleeping poorly? Share the information with your doctor.

Track your child’s sleep patterns for at least a week. Note when and how long your child sleeps, how often your child gets up, and anything you notice like snoring, body position, unusual movements and so forth. (If your child will tolerate wearing a sleep-tracking device, it can provide detailed insights.) How does your child’s behavior differ the day after sleeping well or sleeping poorly? Share the information with your doctor. Consider a sleep study. A sleep study can rule out sleep apnea, breathing problems, or conditions like restless leg syndrome that could be making sleep difficult for your child. Keep in mind that a sleep study can be stressful for a child with autism, so talk to your child’s doctor or therapist about how to best approach the study for the most positive experience.

A sleep study can rule out sleep apnea, breathing problems, or conditions like restless leg syndrome that could be making sleep difficult for your child. Keep in mind that a sleep study can be stressful for a child with autism, so talk to your child’s doctor or therapist about how to best approach the study for the most positive experience. Discuss light therapy with your doctor. When a child’s circadian rhythms are out of balance, light therapy can help restore that natural balance. Light therapy uses light that is close to natural sunlight to help wake up your child’s circadian rhythm. Sitting in this light for even just 30 minutes in the morning or early afternoon can help signal melatonin production and natural sleep in the evening.

For more information on the first steps to take in helping a child with autism or other special needs sleep, visit these resources:

Home Environment

Your child’s home environment can set the stage for restful sleep when it is properly controlled. But it can also make sweet dreams elusive. Often, sensory issues in the home environment make it difficult for a child with special needs to slumber. These are some factors to consider.

Light

Control the lighting in the sleeping room. While every individual is different, most of the time a cool, dark, and quiet environment is the best sleep environment. Control the light in your child’s bedroom or any other sleeping location to avoid overstimulation at bedtime.

While every individual is different, most of the time a cool, dark, and quiet environment is the best sleep environment. Control the light in your child’s bedroom or any other sleeping location to avoid overstimulation at bedtime. Invest in blackout curtains. The body responds to darkness at sleep time. Blackout curtains can create a calming environment for sleep.

The body responds to darkness at sleep time. Blackout curtains can create a calming environment for sleep. Reduce exposure to blue spectrum light in the hour before bedtime. Blue spectrum light, like the light from most technology devices, suppresses melatonin production. If your child is struggling to sleep, turn off electronics an hour before bedtime to reduce this effect.

Blue spectrum light, like the light from most technology devices, suppresses melatonin production. If your child is struggling to sleep, turn off electronics an hour before bedtime to reduce this effect. Use blue light blocking glasses, if needed. Some children on the autism spectrum rely on screen-based technology for self-soothing and communication. In these instances, invest in blue light blocking glasses to use before bedtime. If your child won’t tolerate glasses, consider a filter or film for the device.

Some children on the autism spectrum rely on screen-based technology for self-soothing and communication. In these instances, invest in blue light blocking glasses to use before bedtime. If your child won’t tolerate glasses, consider a filter or film for the device. Use a red-hued bulb if a nightlight is needed. Many children, regardless of their neurological differences, need a nightlight. Red-hued light does not impact circadian rhythms, so opt for this type of nighttime light if needed.

Address Noises

Pay attention to the ambient sounds in your home, which may be amplified for your sensory sensitive child. If you can identify noises like creaking doors, footfalls, and even the sound of your dishwasher, take measures to reduce them at bedtime. Keeping the entire household as quiet as possible after your child goes to bed is going to be helpful as you encourage healthy sleep habits. Don’t forget to notice and address sounds that may come from outside your home too.

If you can identify noises like creaking doors, footfalls, and even the sound of your dishwasher, take measures to reduce them at bedtime. Keeping the entire household as quiet as possible after your child goes to bed is going to be helpful as you encourage healthy sleep habits. Don’t forget to notice and address sounds that may come from outside your home too. Add carpeting to hardwood flooring. This will reduce the sound of footsteps in your home when people who are not sleeping walk around.

This will reduce the sound of footsteps in your home when people who are not sleeping walk around. Oil squeaky hinges. This is a simple, yet effective, way to reduce ambient noise in your home so your child may have an easier time sleeping.

Seal windows to block outdoor noises. If you notice outdoor noises, see if you can make changes to your windows to block them. Sealing the windows or upgrading to sound-reducing windows can help.

This is a simple, yet effective, way to reduce ambient noise in your home so your child may have an easier time sleeping. Seal windows to block outdoor noises. If you notice outdoor noises, see if you can make changes to your windows to block them. Sealing the windows or upgrading to sound-reducing windows can help. Add insulation to mute outdoor noises. If your child’s bedroom has significant outdoor noise, consider adding a layer of insulation between the room and any outdoor areas.

If your child’s bedroom has significant outdoor noise, consider adding a layer of insulation between the room and any outdoor areas. Invest in a quality white noise machine. A white noise machine can mask ambient sounds, if your child tolerates it.

A white noise machine can mask ambient sounds, if your child tolerates it. Reduce the use of technology in other areas of the home. Nothing will make a sound-sensitive child have trouble sleeping quite as quickly as the sound of someone enjoying a television program from another room of the home. Reduce the use of technology while you are encouraging your child to go to sleep.

Nothing will make a sound-sensitive child have trouble sleeping quite as quickly as the sound of someone enjoying a television program from another room of the home. Reduce the use of technology while you are encouraging your child to go to sleep. Block doorway light. The light coming in through the doorway to your child’s room can create sleep disturbances. If you cannot close the door and use a towel to block light coming in underneath, place the bed so that it does not face the doorway.

Address Smells

Recognize that odors can be very stimulating to children with sensory concerns. Research has found that individuals with autism have a heightened sense of smell. If your child can smell something in the room, sleep may be a battle.

Research has found that individuals with autism have a heightened sense of smell. If your child can smell something in the room, sleep may be a battle. Remove items that have a strong smell or the potential to off-gas a smell. Remember, even if the smell is pleasant to you or unnoticeable to you, it may be difficult for a child with autism to tolerate. Watch out for volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can make sensory problems worse.

Remember, even if the smell is pleasant to you or unnoticeable to you, it may be difficult for a child with autism to tolerate. Watch out for volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can make sensory problems worse. Consider diffusing calming aromatherapy oils to help with sleep. Use caution here, because every child with sensory concerns is unique, and overpowering essential oils can do more harm than good, but many children on the autism spectrum benefit from essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, and frankincense as part of their bedtime routines.

Address Textures

Recognize that textures can be a major factor in preventing comfortable sleep. If your child is struggling to sleep, take a look at the textures in the sleep environment – from the sheets to the clothing your child wears and even the firmness of the mattress.

If your child is struggling to sleep, take a look at the textures in the sleep environment – from the sheets to the clothing your child wears and even the firmness of the mattress. Choose soft, loose-fitting, tag-less clothing. Clothing that is too rough or restrictive will make sleep difficult. Choose pajamas without tags, which can be irritating to those with sensory concerns.

Clothing that is too rough or restrictive will make sleep difficult. Choose pajamas without tags, which can be irritating to those with sensory concerns. Get the best mattress. Mattresses that are too saggy, have springs the child can feel, or are too hard can make sleep difficult.

Mattresses that are too saggy, have springs the child can feel, or are too hard can make sleep difficult. Add a weighted blanket. Sleeping with a weighted blanket can increase serotonin production, which in turn contributes to calm in the body. A calm body is able to sleep more effectively. Choose a weight appropriate for your child’s age and size. Toddlers and preschoolers need a 5-8 pound blanket. Elementary aged children need a 10-12 pound blanket. Middle school children need a 15-20 pound blanket, and a teenager or adult needs one that is between 20 and 25 pounds.

Climate Control

Ensure the bedroom has ample airflow. Stagnant air can be uncomfortable for children with sensory concerns, and it can also harbor allergens and scents. If airflow is not natural in the room, use a fan to keep it moving.

Stagnant air can be uncomfortable for children with sensory concerns, and it can also harbor allergens and scents. If airflow is not natural in the room, use a fan to keep it moving. Keep the temperature cool. No one can sleep easily when they are hot, but it is particularly difficult for children with autism to succumb to sleep if the temperature is too high. Add a weighted blanket, and they may need the room to be cooler than you think. Try lowering the thermostat, and adding an additional blanket to your own bed if needed.

Additional Concerns

Check the room for allergens. Dust, mold, mildew, and pet dander, which can hide in stuffed animals and even in an old mattress, are sometimes factors that make it difficult for children to sleep.

Dust, mold, mildew, and pet dander, which can hide in stuffed animals and even in an old mattress, are sometimes factors that make it difficult for children to sleep. Consider changing the bedroom paint color. Certain paint colors encourage healthier sleep, so consider repainting your child’s room. Opt for sensory calming colors, like blue or gray. Avoid brown, purple, or red, which can hinder sleep. Make sure you use an odor-free, low-VOC paint to reduce problems.

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Nutrition

What you put into your body is as important in your sleep as what you put into your room. When it comes to children with autism, nutrition is often a critical part of a good bedtime routine. This can be particularly challenging for parents, as many children on the autism spectrum are highly particular about what they will or will not eat. Keeping your child’s unique needs in mind, consider these tips as you look to reduce food-based sleep problems.

Keep your child’s diet caffeine-free. For a child with heightened sensitivities, like a child with autism, simply avoiding caffeine before bed may not be enough. You will want to avoid caffeine as much as possible. In addition to the obvious culprits like sodas and coffee drinks, watch for caffeine in chocolate, tea, energy drinks, and coffee-flavored food. You may even find caffeine hiding in snack bars.

For a child with heightened sensitivities, like a child with autism, simply avoiding caffeine before bed may not be enough. You will want to avoid caffeine as much as possible. In addition to the obvious culprits like sodas and coffee drinks, watch for caffeine in chocolate, tea, energy drinks, and coffee-flavored food. You may even find caffeine hiding in snack bars. Stop eating an hour before bedtime. Eating is a highly stimulating experience for the senses, so stop eating before bedtime to ensure your child is not over stimulated.

Eating is a highly stimulating experience for the senses, so stop eating before bedtime to ensure your child is not over stimulated. Consider an early bedtime snack. There is a benefit to giving your child a snack before bed, as long as it is not too close to bedtime. A small snack that includes protein and complex carbs can keep your child from waking due to hunger or low blood sugar problems. When choosing a snack, avoid sugary foods, including fruits, which can make sleep more difficult.

There is a benefit to giving your child a snack before bed, as long as it is not too close to bedtime. A small snack that includes protein and complex carbs can keep your child from waking due to hunger or low blood sugar problems. When choosing a snack, avoid sugary foods, including fruits, which can make sleep more difficult. Increase the intake of omega-3 fats. Research has shown that children with autism often have lower levels of these important fatty acids. Studies have shown that increasing them, even through supplements if necessary, can impact sleep patterns positively, helping children sleep better.

Research has shown that children with autism often have lower levels of these important fatty acids. Studies have shown that increasing them, even through supplements if necessary, can impact sleep patterns positively, helping children sleep better. Consider if your child has a food sensitivity. This is something you will need to discuss with your child’s doctor or dietitian, but sometimes food sensitivities, like sensitivities to dairy, can make it difficult to sleep.

This is something you will need to discuss with your child’s doctor or dietitian, but sometimes food sensitivities, like sensitivities to dairy, can make it difficult to sleep. Avoid gas-inducing foods before bedtime. Your child may not be able to communicate stomach discomfort but avoiding foods known to cause gas can help reduce tummy complaints when it’s time for bed. Some culprits include peas, lentils, cabbage, broccoli, beans, mushrooms, carbonated drinks, and cauliflower. Whole grains and fatty foods can also be a concern.

Your child may not be able to communicate stomach discomfort but avoiding foods known to cause gas can help reduce tummy complaints when it’s time for bed. Some culprits include peas, lentils, cabbage, broccoli, beans, mushrooms, carbonated drinks, and cauliflower. Whole grains and fatty foods can also be a concern. Reduce sugar intake. Sugar is stimulating. A sugar-heavy diet can make sleep difficult. Work to reduce the amount of sugar your child eats throughout the day, and especially with dinner and after dinner.

A sugar-heavy diet can make sleep difficult. Work to reduce the amount of sugar your child eats throughout the day, and especially with dinner and after dinner. Avoid acidic foods if you suspect your child suffers from reflux. Tomato products, garlic, onions, spicy foods, citrus fruits, and fruit juices can all make acid reflux worse, and when your child lays down to sleep the stomach acid can be quite painful.

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Sleep Hygiene – The “Don’ts”

Hygiene is important in all areas of life, including sleep. Sleep hygiene refers to the practices you tackle every day to prepare yourself for sleep. For a child with autism or another sensory need, poor sleep hygiene can be derailing all your hard work in setting up a good sleep environment and controlling your child’s diet. here’s a closer look at what you should not do as you prepare for your child’s sleep each night.

Avoid rowdy and active play in the two hours before bedtime. Children with sensory concerns take longer to relax and rest than children who are neurotypical. Choose calming activities to help your child wind down.

Children with sensory concerns take longer to relax and rest than children who are neurotypical. Choose calming activities to help your child wind down. Don’t rely on technology to help your child relax. It’s tempting to give your child a tablet or a movie during the wind-down time, but don’t give in. You need to limit all technology at least one hour before bedtime to encourage proper melatonin production.

It’s tempting to give your child a tablet or a movie during the wind-down time, but don’t give in. You need to limit all technology at least one hour before bedtime to encourage proper melatonin production. Avoid disrupting the nighttime routine. Life happens, and you may not be able to avoid disruptions forever, but try not to disrupt the nighttime routine with your child as much as possible.

Life happens, and you may not be able to avoid disruptions forever, but try not to disrupt the nighttime routine with your child as much as possible. Don’t surprise your child at bedtime. Surprises are hard for children with autism, as they need time to process new information. Avoid changes or surprises in the hours leading up to bedtime.

Surprises are hard for children with autism, as they need time to process new information. Avoid changes or surprises in the hours leading up to bedtime. Don’t do homework right before bed. Homework can be distressing or stimulating. Aim to finish it early in the evening, and not right before bed. Work with your child’s teacher to ensure that homework you cannot complete early can be completed at a different time.

Homework can be distressing or stimulating. Aim to finish it early in the evening, and not right before bed. Work with your child’s teacher to ensure that homework you cannot complete early can be completed at a different time. Resist getting into your child’s bed or rocking your child to sleep. These habits can actually create too much stimulation and can be difficult to break. Encourage your child to learn to fall asleep without you.

These habits can actually create too much stimulation and can be difficult to break. Encourage your child to learn to fall asleep without you. Don’t perform activities you know are difficult for your child to engage in. If bath time is a battle for your child, choose a different time of day to tackle this task. Having a bath before bed may make it impossible for your child to relax and prepare for sleep.

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Sleep Hygiene – the “Do’s”

While there are things you should avoid when preparing your child for bed, there are some things you should do to make the process easier. Here are the healthy sleep habits that can help children with autism and sensory disorders get healthy sleep.

Establish and stick to routines and rituals. Create a nighttime ritual that rarely changes. This may include baths, stories, tooth brushing, changing, and tucking in. Choose activities that seem to help your child calm down, but do not stimulate your child too much.

Create a nighttime ritual that rarely changes. This may include baths, stories, tooth brushing, changing, and tucking in. Choose activities that seem to help your child calm down, but do not stimulate your child too much. Use a visual schedule to help your child know what is coming next. Visual schedules use pictures to show your routine, step by step, so your child can navigate the evening successfully.

Visual schedules use pictures to show your routine, step by step, so your child can navigate the evening successfully. Start your routine 20 to 40 minutes before the actual bedtime. This will help signal your child’s natural sleep cycle and encourage your child to start winding down.

This will help signal your child’s natural sleep cycle and encourage your child to start winding down. Perform a massage or a back rub. This can help soothe your child. Start at the neck and slowly massage down to the base of the spine using slow, rhythmic strokes to create a calming experience. Make this part of your bedtime routine if your child responds well to it.

This can help soothe your child. Start at the neck and slowly massage down to the base of the spine using slow, rhythmic strokes to create a calming experience. Make this part of your bedtime routine if your child responds well to it. Do wake your child up at the same time every morning. Just like a routine bedtime is important, waking your child at the same time every morning is also helpful.

Just like a routine bedtime is important, waking your child at the same time every morning is also helpful. Do insist on having the same room be the room for sleep, as much as possible. Making the room itself part of the sleep routine will help encourage healthy sleep habits.

Making the room itself part of the sleep routine will help encourage healthy sleep habits. Do use the bed primarily for sleeping, not other activities. This will help your child associate the bed with bedtime, not homework or play time.

This will help your child associate the bed with bedtime, not homework or play time. Make your nighttime routine short and efficient. Dragging this process out will not help your child sleep well. Keep it short and sweet!

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Get Creative

What can you do if these methods do not work for your child? One of the key truths about autism is that it affects each person uniquely, and what works for one may not work for the next. Sometimes, parents, who know their children well, must get creative. Here are some unique solutions that may help make sleep more peaceful in your home.

Give your child a bedtime pass. A bedtime pass is a ticket your child can turn in if they feel they must get out of bed. It may be used for bathroom trips, drinks of water, parent visits, or anything the child deems necessary. This gives your child some measure of control at bedtime. Set up the bedtime pass so that it can only be used one time per night. The bedtime pass needs to be a tangible item that the child can turn in.

A bedtime pass is a ticket your child can turn in if they feel they must get out of bed. It may be used for bathroom trips, drinks of water, parent visits, or anything the child deems necessary. This gives your child some measure of control at bedtime. Set up the bedtime pass so that it can only be used one time per night. The bedtime pass needs to be a tangible item that the child can turn in. Create rewards for not using the bedtime pass. Total freedom is not a good idea when you’re encouraging your child to sleep. Allow the use of the bedtime pass, but give your child an incentive if they choose not to use it.

Total freedom is not a good idea when you’re encouraging your child to sleep. Allow the use of the bedtime pass, but give your child an incentive if they choose not to use it. Stick glow-in-the-dark star stickers to the ceiling. This can give your child something to look at or count while falling asleep, without adding too much brightness to the room. Also, because the stickers will lose their glow slowly, they can encourage further “winding down” for sleep.

This can give your child something to look at or count while falling asleep, without adding too much brightness to the room. Also, because the stickers will lose their glow slowly, they can encourage further “winding down” for sleep. Track your child’s sleep with a wearable device. A fitness tracker can give you insights into how well your child is sleeping. Use one to track the quality of your child’s sleep if you suspect a problem. If you notice that your child is not getting deep sleep, you can discuss your concerns with their doctor.

A fitness tracker can give you insights into how well your child is sleeping. Use one to track the quality of your child’s sleep if you suspect a problem. If you notice that your child is not getting deep sleep, you can discuss your concerns with their doctor. Use a sleep sack for further support. Children with autism may not be able to stay asleep if they kick off their covers. Use a sleep sack to help keep them covered and comfortable.

Children with autism may not be able to stay asleep if they kick off their covers. Use a sleep sack to help keep them covered and comfortable. Invest in a visual clock or picture timer. Your child may not be able to remember times or tell time, but they can look at pictures. Try using picture clocks or timers to tell them when it is time to get up or when they have to stay in bed.

Your child may not be able to remember times or tell time, but they can look at pictures. Try using picture clocks or timers to tell them when it is time to get up or when they have to stay in bed. Use pictures on mom and dad’s door. Put a picture on mom and dad’s door that indicates whether or not your child with autism can come in. During the night, the picture could be a stop sign or a sleep-related image, then in the morning, it could flip over to show sunshine or an image that signals the day has already started. This will give your child a visual reminder of when mom and dad need to sleep, which can help with early morning wake-ups.

Put a picture on mom and dad’s door that indicates whether or not your child with autism can come in. During the night, the picture could be a stop sign or a sleep-related image, then in the morning, it could flip over to show sunshine or an image that signals the day has already started. This will give your child a visual reminder of when mom and dad need to sleep, which can help with early morning wake-ups. Elevate your child’s mattress if you suspect stomach upset is preventing sleep. This can alleviate acid reflux and even gas, and is a simple solution to one common cause of autism sleep disturbances.

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Troubleshooting

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you will run into problems with sleep. It is simply part of raising a child with special needs. If you find consistent problems, then it is time to employ some troubleshooting techniques. Here are common problems you may face, and a few ideas to address them:

Child Won’t Go to or Stay Asleep

Practice a fading parental presence. When children with autism have trouble falling and staying asleep, leaving them to cry it out is not going to work well. It is simply too much anxiety for a child with autism to handle. A better solution is to practice what is known as a fading parental presence. Place a chair next to the child’s bed, and sit in it so your child can see you while falling asleep. Gradually move the chair each night until you are no longer needed in the room.

When children with autism have trouble falling and staying asleep, leaving them to cry it out is not going to work well. It is simply too much anxiety for a child with autism to handle. A better solution is to practice what is known as a fading parental presence. Place a chair next to the child’s bed, and sit in it so your child can see you while falling asleep. Gradually move the chair each night until you are no longer needed in the room. Avoid the temptation to rock or hold your child if he wakes. This will make it harder for your child to learn to self-soothe. You will need to attend to your child if he wakes up, but try to keep interactions minimal so your child does not rely on you to go to sleep.

This will make it harder for your child to learn to self-soothe. You will need to attend to your child if he wakes up, but try to keep interactions minimal so your child does not rely on you to go to sleep. When your child wakes, go into the room and help her soothe, but do not pick her up. Patting the back or simply being in the room can sometimes be sufficient. The key is to teach the child to handle the self-soothing independently of you.

Patting the back or simply being in the room can sometimes be sufficient. The key is to teach the child to handle the self-soothing independently of you. Gradually start leaving your child with an explanation that you will return to check on him. Eventually, your child may learn to fall asleep independently of your presence.

Children who Wander

Install door alarms on all outside doors that are loud enough to wake you at night. This will protect your child should he try to leave the house when wandering at night, which is a very serious risk.

This will protect your child should he try to leave the house when wandering at night, which is a very serious risk. Use child-proof door handles. This may not work for all children with autism, as many are quite good at figuring out childproof locks and puzzles, but it is a strategy to try.

This may not work for all children with autism, as many are quite good at figuring out childproof locks and puzzles, but it is a strategy to try. Add a secure, lockable baby gate at the top and bottom of all staircases. Again, this will add another barrier, both physical and visual, to protect your child.

Again, this will add another barrier, both physical and visual, to protect your child. Make sure potential hazards within the home are stored out of sight and out of reach. The knives, cleaning supplies, and other household hazards need to be stored somewhere your child cannot access. It is important that this storage location also is out of sight, so your child does not try to access it.

The knives, cleaning supplies, and other household hazards need to be stored somewhere your child cannot access. It is important that this storage location also is out of sight, so your child does not try to access it. Cover all electrical outlets. A wandering child at night can cause an electrical fire playing with outlets.

A wandering child at night can cause an electrical fire playing with outlets. Anchor your furniture. Should your child try to climb furniture while you are sleeping, anchors are a critical safety mechanism.

Should your child try to climb furniture while you are sleeping, anchors are a critical safety mechanism. Gently lead your child back to bed if you catch her wandering. Many of these tips are designed to protect your child if you are unaware of the wandering. If you see the child wandering, gently lead her back to bed, repeating the process until you have established sleep again.

Many of these tips are designed to protect your child if you are unaware of the wandering. If you see the child wandering, gently lead her back to bed, repeating the process until you have established sleep again. Consider a GPS tracker. A wearable GPS tracker worn at bedtime will give you peace of mind if your child does wander in spite of your best intentions.

Children who Sleepwalk

In addition to the tips for wandering, for a sleepwalking child you will want to be aware that your child is not awake. They have no control over their behavior when sleepwalking.

Install video monitors or a bedroom door alarm so you can be alerted when sleepwalking starts. This will help you get the child back to bed in a safe manner.

This will help you get the child back to bed in a safe manner. Do not try to wake a sleepwalking child. Instead, lead the child back to bed and settle them in for sleep. Waking your child may cause them to become anxious, which will make it more difficult to get back to sleep.

Instead, lead the child back to bed and settle them in for sleep. Waking your child may cause them to become anxious, which will make it more difficult to get back to sleep. If you cannot lead your child back to bed, consider taking them to the restroom. Many children, regardless of neurology, will sleepwalk when they need to use the restroom. Alleviating this need can help the child return to sleep.

Many children, regardless of neurology, will sleepwalk when they need to use the restroom. Alleviating this need can help the child return to sleep. Consider moving bedtime earlier. Sometimes children will sleepwalk because they are not going to bed early enough. Slowly easing the bedtime to an earlier time may help.

Night Snacking or Binge Eating

Consider putting childproof locks on the fridge and pantry to prevent your child from binge eating while you sleep. Binge or rapid eating is common among many children with autism or other special needs, and if you have made it clear this behavior is not appropriate, your child may engage in it after you have gone to bed. Since this has serious health risks, including obesity and the risk of aspirating, you need to prevent it with locked cabinets.

Binge or rapid eating is common among many children with autism or other special needs, and if you have made it clear this behavior is not appropriate, your child may engage in it after you have gone to bed. Since this has serious health risks, including obesity and the risk of aspirating, you need to prevent it with locked cabinets. Make the kitchen and refrigerator inaccessible. It might not work with an open floor plan, but if possible, eliminate temptation by closing off the kitchen completely. Depending on your child’s age, you might be able to use a baby gate, child proof door knob cover, or latch high on the door.

Night Terrors

Recognize that night terrors are more concerning for you as a parent than your child. Night terrors involve crying and screaming at night as if in distress, but are not something the child remembers. Unlike a nightmare, night terrors have little repercussion for your child.

Night terrors involve crying and screaming at night as if in distress, but are not something the child remembers. Unlike a nightmare, night terrors have little repercussion for your child. Soothe your child back to sleep, but avoid waking them fully. A night terror is hard to watch, but if you can simply soothe your child back to sleep without waking them fully, watching to ensure they are not injured when thrashing, you may be able to salvage the rest of the night.

A night terror is hard to watch, but if you can simply soothe your child back to sleep without waking them fully, watching to ensure they are not injured when thrashing, you may be able to salvage the rest of the night. Avoid daytime sensory overload to reduce night terrors. Children with autism may suffer more night terrors if they experience sensory overload during the day, so work to reduce sensory input, especially in the hours before bedtime.

Children with autism may suffer more night terrors if they experience sensory overload during the day, so work to reduce sensory input, especially in the hours before bedtime. Talk to your doctor if night terrors persist. Since children with autism are more prone to experiencing anxiety, you will need to talk to your doctor if these behaviors persist.

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Tips for Changing Routine

Once you establish a good routine for bedtime, it seems that life will throw change at you. Family vacation, adding a new sibling, or even just moving to a new home can hurt your child’s sleep routines. Change is difficult for all children, but it can derail an autistic child’s routines and impact all the progress you have made for sleep. Here are some tips to help manage the changes that life inevitably brings:

When you need to adjust to a new bed or bedroom, practice desensitization. Desensitization strives to gradually introduce an unfamiliar space. Start with allowing your child to use the room for non-sleeping activities. Then, use it for nap time. Then, move his bedding into it, but allow him to sleep elsewhere if needed. Eventually, as your child realizes the exposures have no negative side effects, he will embrace the new space.

Desensitization strives to gradually introduce an unfamiliar space. Start with allowing your child to use the room for non-sleeping activities. Then, use it for nap time. Then, move his bedding into it, but allow him to sleep elsewhere if needed. Eventually, as your child realizes the exposures have no negative side effects, he will embrace the new space. Bring comforts from home when traveling. It’s not possible to desensitize your child when traveling, so bring as many comforts from home as possible. Your own bedding, for example, will feel and smell like home, and that may help sleep to happen.

It’s not possible to desensitize your child when traveling, so bring as many comforts from home as possible. Your own bedding, for example, will feel and smell like home, and that may help sleep to happen. Use a sound machine and fan when traveling. Airflow and ambient noises are problems when you are on vacation and staying in a hotel, so bring supplies from home to help with these common issues.

Airflow and ambient noises are problems when you are on vacation and staying in a hotel, so bring supplies from home to help with these common issues. Use social stories to help your child prepare for the change. Social stories break down what is about to happen into easily digested pieces with pictures, and many children with autism respond well to them.

Social stories break down what is about to happen into easily digested pieces with pictures, and many children with autism respond well to them. Pack a go-to bedtime box when moving house. It may not be possible to have your child’s new bedroom set up completely in your new house when you need to move, so pack a box with the bedtime supplies that make bedtime easier for you, like stuffed animals, sound machines, and bedding. Use as much as you can from your old house as you establish bedtime in your new house.

It may not be possible to have your child’s new bedroom set up completely in your new house when you need to move, so pack a box with the bedtime supplies that make bedtime easier for you, like stuffed animals, sound machines, and bedding. Use as much as you can from your old house as you establish bedtime in your new house. Keep as much routine as possible the same. Even when traveling or when moving to a new home or new bedroom, keep your bedtime routine in place as much as possible.

Even when traveling or when moving to a new home or new bedroom, keep your bedtime routine in place as much as possible. Move bedtimes gradually. If you find that you need to adjust a bedtime either later or earlier, do so gradually. Change the time in 5 or 10-minute increments until you have arrived at the new, preferred time.

If you find that you need to adjust a bedtime either later or earlier, do so gradually. Change the time in 5 or 10-minute increments until you have arrived at the new, preferred time. Understand that new additions to the house will disrupt bedtime routines. Adding a sibling or a pet to your home may disrupt your child’s sleep cycles. Though it will feel like you are starting over, you need to be aware that these changes are huge to a child with autism. Be patient and work to reestablish the good sleep hygiene habits you have had in place.

Adding a sibling or a pet to your home may disrupt your child’s sleep cycles. Though it will feel like you are starting over, you need to be aware that these changes are huge to a child with autism. Be patient and work to reestablish the good sleep hygiene habits you have had in place. Keep a new sibling or pet out of the child’s sleep space. The addition of pet dander or the introduction of a new sibling can make the bedroom feel different, which will impact sleep. Keep these new additions out of your child’s bedroom until she has had time to adjust to them being part of the family.

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Conclusion

Sleep concerns are a major issue for children on the autism spectrum and their parents. Sleep deprivation can disrupt family dynamics and make living life with sensory differences an even greater challenge, but restful sleep can lead to a peaceful home environment. Children with autism, because of their unique neurology, will struggle to sleep, but parents can help. With these tips and strategies, and a patient, loving approach to the sleep problem, parents can guide their children into healthy, restful sleep, which will benefit the entire family.