Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders are reported to have more sleep challenges than their typically developing peers.
These challenges include:
- Decreased total sleep time
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up at night
- Early morning awakenings
- Restless sleep
- Parasomnia-sleepwalking, night terrors, talking during sleep, and rhythmic movement disorders
To help your child sleep better:
- Rule out any medical problems
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine
- Make sure your child’s room is conducive to sleep (cool, dark and quiet)
- Limit/eliminate caffeine
- Limit exposure to blue light (screens) during the day, especially one hour before bedtime
- Engage your child in daytime exercise
- Eliminate naps when appropriate
- Discuss appropriate interventions with a behavior specialist
*In some cases pharmacological intervention may be necessary. If none of these approaches help, seek advice from your child’s physician