Research has shown that sleep disorders and disturbance are more common in autistic children who have repetitive behaviours and rituals. If these rituals are not completed, the child may become anxious and restless - with a reported 80% of autistic children suffering from sleep disturbance, it is important to understand and build healthy bedtime routines at an early age that can be continued into adulthood.
Thanks to Autism Awareness Day, families, parents and careers have shared the most successful tips for maintaining quality sleep throughout the whole night!
1. Create a calm environment
Adapt the room to reduce sensory sensitivity by using blackout blinds to block out distracting lights and remove unwanted items in the bed which may cause disturbance during the night. A single storage bed is a great solution to help you easily store away the abundance of teddies and toys in your children’s room.
2. Set a sleep/wake routine
Try to maintain regular bedtimes and morning alarms on both the weekdays and weekends to build a solid routine.