![]() Look for a new melatonin mini-pill to be available in Europe in October 2018 and in the U.S. Research has shown that children with ASD improved their sleep when given melatonin in combination with oral instructions for parents on strategies to promote sleep. If you suspect anxiety is the cause of your child’s sleep difficulties, incorporate some relaxation activities into the bedtime routine. While a recent study suggests that weighted blankets do not increase sleep time or decrease time spent falling asleep, the deep pressure touch provided by the weighted blanket can help to soothe your child and make the bedtime routine more appealing. Be sure to include pictures to support your story. (For more information about visual tools for children with autism and examples, see The National Autistic Society.) A bedtime routine might look like this:Ĭreate a social story explaining the importance of sleep and the cues people use to know when it’s time for sleep. Create visual support for your child’s bedtime routine. ![]() Keep it simple, calming, and free from electronic screens. ![]() Work with your child to develop a soothing bedtime routine that you can stick to every night. Establish a bedtime routine and create visual cues If your child is non-verbal, you may need to do some investigative research with them using trial and error. Be aware that seams, zippers, and buttons can also be irritating. Make sure that your child’s PJs and bed linens are made of fabrics that at least do not cause discomfort and at best are soothing to your child. Many children with ASD find certain fabrics and clothing features to be extremely irritating. If your child cannot tolerate bed clothes or covers, you will want to raise the heat a bit but no higher than around 75° F. Optimal bedroom temperatures range from 65° – 67° F. Your child may not be able to tell you if they feel too cool or too warm, but sleep experts indicate that a cool bedroom promotes sound sleep. Switch to black-out curtains if there are streetlights, traffic lights, or other outdoor light sources near your child’s bedroom windows. Keeping their bedroom dark will help limit visual stimulation and encourage the production of melatonin, a neurohormone that promotes sleep. Visual stimuli can disturb your child and make it difficult to fall asleep. As much as possible, try to limit your child’s exposure to household noises once they have gone to bed. can be over-stimulating or otherwise disturbing, making it impossible for them to fall asleep or even feel tired. For kids on the spectrum, household noises like the TV, music, the dishwasher, etc. ![]() Most typically developing (TD) kids can easily block out ambient noise, especially when they are tired. While these aren’t 100% effective all the time, practicing these habits may help improve your nighttime (and early morning) struggles. 10 ways you can help your child with ASD sleep better In fact, the prevalence of sleep difficulties among children with autism means there has been ample opportunity for researchers to study the causes of the problem and develop effective strategies to help children and their parents get the sleep they need. The good news is that the struggles you have getting your child to fall asleep and stay asleep are not unique to your family.
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