Simple sleep tips for children with autism spectrum disorder, including calming routines, sensory-friendly bedrooms, and natural strategies for better rest.
Children with autism often face considerable difficulties when it comes to sleep. It is a complicated issue considering that most of the children on the spectrum are either unable to sleep, and if they sleep, they wake up very early or do not have quality sleep. Some of the issues that contribute to this state include painless sensitivities associated with ASD, anxiety, lack of melatonin, and issues related to availing and maintaining structures. However, the main comfort behind this is that following some norms and rules is beneficial as it will enable one to retire to bed readily and both the child and the parent achieve a good night’s sleep.
One of the several effective strategies to implement is setting a proper before-bed routine. Kids with autism hate the uncertainties. They feel more relieved when they know what to anticipate. Repetitive comforting actions before dozing off such as having a warm bath, brushing the teeth, reading a book or hearing a favored song make the child aware that it is almost time to sleep.
The design of the bedroom promotes playful and sleep-conducive characteristics. It is best to have a bedroom that is cool, dark, and quiet as far as possible. Some children may also benefit from blackout drapes, white noise and weighted blankets because of their comforting firm touch. While others may need some gentle, and fluffy textiles due to their over-sensitivity to fabrics.
Unplugging of electronic devices just before bed can be harmful too. Most tablets, televisions, and smartphones emit blue light, which causes a misbalance between the hormone melatonin, preventing an individual from sleeping. Going off the grid at least an hour before bed may help enhance recuperative sleep.
Another powerful sleep-enhancing method is engaging in physical activities as one goes about the day. Using all the accumulated energy in the body can be achieved through regular movements, playing outside, or working out. Just be certain not to become engaged in overexciting games prior to bedtime.
Even meals rich in sugar, caffeine and big portions before bedtime also count among those that can interfere with an individual’s adequacy of sleep. When still peckish a beam of relief can be extended by offering a light, calming snack such as bananas or oatmeal instead of unhealthy foods.
In the child who has been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the control of overwhelming stress because of the disorder is particularly essential. It is also possible to take measures that involve touch, meditation, aids such as scented belts and blankets or even a good luring story before going to bed to quiet the overload in the mind.
But taking things slow and in the right steps is the best remedy. There are stages of development that children should go through, and they will come in their own time. It is not always easy but it does help to go to bed and wake up at a fixed time every day even on holidays so that the body can develop a regular inner clock. It will improve after some time, as there are natural points where sleep is normally expected to vary.
Some families also use visual schedules or picture charts to guide bedtime steps. This aspect has the advantage of making the rituals more explicit and, thus, decreasing resistance to following them.
If the preliminary recommendations have been implemented and there is no improvement in the child’s sleep, the healthcare provider may carry out screening to identify such conditions as night reflux or adenotonsillar complications or other possible causes.
In many cases, helping children with autism sleep better can be attributed to willingness to wait, realistic settings, structures and self-awareness of a variety of responses, towards different sensations which are experienced in the environment. Even simple changes can turn out to be very effective eventually.
Well-rested children are capable of maintaining good mood, attention, and reducing challenging behavior such as aggression among others. When parents decide to approach bedtime in a relaxed and peaceful manner, it helps the child sleep well, knowing he/she is protected and so parents can retry this approach day after day.
