Autism and Sleep - Tips to get your child with Autism to Sleep

It's absolutely crippling on you and your child, if you have a child who does not sleep. Dylan didn't sleep through the night until he was about 6 years old. I spent many years researching the right kind of environment that was conducive to sleep. Here I talk through the boys' bedroom and our night time routines. All of these things have helped massively for Dylan and I am happy to report he is now sleeping through the night.

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[chloex]

“That’s really good that I get to wake up again” that’s so sweet. Thankyou for the video💛

[juiice]

This is awesome. I have 4 children, still figuring out their additional needs but it’s possible they’re all on the spectrum and I probably am too. What strikes me about your videos is how calm and laidback you and your family appear. Dylan reminds me of my 8 year old so much but I’m as anxious as he is, so are my daughters and this really doesn’t help matters. Our household is running on cortisol most of the time! You seem to be thinking so clearly and articulating much that I know to be true but don’t really have the headspace to think through right now. It’s inspiring me to bang my GP’s door down again for a referral for assessment for myself. Will add some of your ideas to our ‘bedtime kit’ and routine. I feel like I know so much in theory about autism but it’s really great to see someone more level headed than me breaking it down so thank you!

[shy.dehart]

Omg a video that is actually helpful and not shoving melatonin down my throat

[tanyadeterlizzi]

I just found your channel. My son was just diagnosed with Autism
At 20 months old. This channel is excellent.! I love it! It has been so helpful!!

[miaowu]

Hello mom, I am an occupational therapy assistant student and an Aunt to a special boy. I struggled to come up with ways that I can assist clients with ASD. These are wonderful tips, so thank you for sharing!

[chezball_]

I have ASD (to the point that I carry earplugs around) and this is accurate. Sensory equipment is really good... it’s just straight calming. Oh, and baths and the chat about the day for ‘verbal’ spectrum peeps is really good. I’m anti social, but I love a good bath. Oh yeah and I get stressed out about stuff, and at night I does come out. I found that weighted blankets and calming music helps. Rare helpful advice. Keep it up!

[BrokenPixels]

Thanks so much for the memory foam mattress tip. My son does the same bounces all night long and does not sleep can go on for hours. Must give it a try x

[abbystephens]

You hit the nail on the head. I have asd and getting the wiggles out is so me ! I am an adult now 24 years old and I still find I need to do this.

[aliya]

This is so comforting... just hearing ur voice. So re- assuring. Only if i could hit that like button more than once. Also yes have a 2 yr old who i suspect completely on the spectrum as i have a check mark on every single thing almost u mentioned about dylan. . Hes got the over sensory issue so far diagnosed by the dr. N sleep is def an issue. All the sensory needs + when not wanting to hug or held @ the same time . We as mothers n humans can be challenged in ways we can hardly imagine at times. All i want to finally add is ur amazing. I have just found u online. Ur urge to explore ur childs world is just so vast n unlimited. If only ur child could c it 1 day.. he would never have enuf words to appreciate . Good luck!

[brightpage]

Just that this exists is awesome. I've already liked it before even watching the whole thing. Thank you!

[herikarivera]

This video really is so close to home. My child like Dylan has many of the same attachments. So right you are about these things for sleeping with Austim.

[yohannesberhane]

Incredibly amazing. You are so insiprational and whenever i see your videos i just feel energitic thinking that there is still something i can do something for my son. Thank you so much.

[claudiat]

Very helpful my 4 year old screams when he wakes and does not see me by his side 😢

[DavidHalverson]

Like the routines that you incorporate into Dylan's sleep preparation, and yes, weighted blankets do help to calm the child down. I know I could never sleep myself without at least a comforter on me which would drive my parents bananas during the hot summer as they tried to keep me cool, usually mom would strip me down to my underpants, so I would sleep and not struggle. Yeah, no central air conditioner at home just open windows. Then come in later that evening and pull the heavy comforter off the bed leave me with just the top sheet.

[lamaggie]

This video is very useful! It’s so hard getting my 12 year old to fall asleep. His body is growing now so, he’s been very sleepy lately but still can’t seem to fall asleep early. Once morning time comes, he gets up quick from bed but looks soooo tired! I will definitely be using some of these tips!

[bognaskoczylas]

Thank you so much for sharing and for all the wise and thoughtful tips.

[dianaheilig]

Great video, thank you. My son is three and diagnosed about 6 months ago. He was always the best sleeper until three months ago. He goes to sleep easily. A lot of times he even asks “take a nap” but he’s waking in the middle of the night and doesn’t go back to sleep. 😭 we’ve tried keeping him up later and it still happens. We have a good nighttime routine, but I just don’t know. My husband and I started a channel “theheiligs” about his journey from a micro preemie and now autism. I’ll be watching your videos! Thank you. ❤️

[DaRkHoRsE-_-]

I WISH as a child growing up I had these tools put in place by my mom and dad...although I most likely did not or do not have autism, I am highly anxious, sleep terrors and other nightime difficulties ...As I lay here at 2 in the am watching this. LOL..I do know how to strutcture my environment but need a small amount of xanax to help the racing thoughts. I especilly love that you built that amazing space in your attic for Dillon..wow..who would not be able to chill out there? My background is in psychology but never really understood autism. As I watch others creators and now your videos I am learning so much. Thank you so much for sharing and I am so overjoyed to see that your family remained intact and even grew...Well done both of you..and your kids are lovely.

[np]

Carpet? No urination issues? I had to replace the carpet three times and finally put in hardwood.
Sleep was evasive and when he was nine I finally told his pediatrician that it was either him or me and got a prescription for ambien. Melatonin was making him moody. My son is 24 and still with me, so can relate to all that you do. So many people don't understand that brushing teeth, getting a haircut or shaving are all big challenges.

[jenelljurado]

What I notice To have a less fussy child that is Autistic is To give them LOTS AND LOTS of special extra LOVE ❤️😍 Especially at night before bed. When They are HAPPY and know that they r LOVED they tend to have less anxiety.