Getting your kiddo with ASD to sleep

Bedtime is a tough time for a lot of parents. For parents of children with autism, it can be especially challenging. There is a vast spectrum of reasons that an individual with autism might not be able to fall asleep. From difficulties sleeping due to a dual diagnosis of anxiety to difficulty integrating with their environment, it can be tough to pinpoint one specific reason that kiddos with ASD have trouble snoozing. However, experts agree that the proper amount of sleep for a child can help them focus and function better during the day. You can try a lot of things to help your kiddo with ASD drift off into dreamland. Here's a list of a few of our favorites.

Start with a routine

The first step to good sleep is to make a routine out of it. The first few days are always tough but starting a good routine can encourage a kiddo to know the ins and outs of bedtime so that they can get used to it. Some kids with ASD really crave the structure that a routine brings and having a bedtime routine is certainly a step in the right direction. For example, set the expectation that 8:00pm is the time by which your kiddo should be bathed, pajama-d, and snuggled up in the covers. The steps to get to that 8:00pm bedtime might be best guided by a visual schedule. Giving your kiddo the tools to complete tasks can be a great way of encouraging them to start to go to bed.

Lighting matters

Turn off harsh lights and screens an hour before bedtime. Try only using diffused lights and soft lamps about an hour before your kiddo goes to sleep. The harshness and color of lights have been known to lower the brain's production of melatonin and serotonin, which are hormones and neurotransmitters that humans require to fall asleep. Dimming the lights just a little bit might be a huge help.

Try Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, specifically lavender, has been used for ages to help people fall asleep. You can try them in diffusers, like this aroma fan, or in the form of a snuggly stuffed animal, like this little guy. It just helps with calming overall, so it might be able to help your kiddo sleep.

Weighted blankets and compression sheets

Some kids need extra sensory input as they are falling asleep. A lot of parents and therapists swear by weighted blankets. However, not all kiddos are going to like the feeling of a weighted blanket. A preference for compression versus weighted items just boil down for personal preference and need for proprioceptive feedback. If your child prefers weighted items in therapy or school, it might be a safe bet to get them a weighted blanket. However, if they prefer compression vests and compression items, it might be a better idea to get them compression sheets. There's no right answer as to what is best, a child might be more susceptible to weight or compression based on their sensory needs. Before purchasing a weighted blanket, please remember that the formula for weighted blankets is 10% of an individual's body weight, plus 1lb. Kids with ASD also often have sensory processing issues, which sometimes can mean that the overall feeling of a weighted blanket can be a determining factor. eSpecial Needs offers cotton weighted blankets, poly-blend and flannel options, and even a slip cover.

Consult a doctor

If things aren't getting better for your kiddo's sleep, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor. Qualified medical professionals are almost always able to give the best advice when it comes to your child's long-term health and safety. Talking to a pediatrician can make sure that the ways your child is getting to sleep are safe and backed by science.

Do as your kids do

I know it might be tempting to stay up late and watch a little bit of Netflix after the kids go to bed, but it's exhausting to be a parent. Sleep is just as important for you as it is for your children. Parents need 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and, on average, get much less than that. Give yourself the time to sleep! Your daily life can be much improved by having a better sleep schedule.