Sleep and the Autistic child

The rate of sleep disturbance and sleep disorders is notably higher in children who have other health or developmental disorders. Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Autism have particular difficulties in sensory processing. These can be general or specific to that child. There are ways to assist children affected by these difficulties to improve their sleep pattern and thus improve the whole families sleep.

Patterns and routines are even more important as they cue the child to expect the next consequence or next event. Having a good, simple, regular routine is comforting to a child. Other sensory assistance in getting the child to be calm and ready to sleep can be successfully used in different formats, different intensities and variations to meet the child's sensory needs.

Using "heavy work" concentrates the child's energy and calms. Pushing a weighted basket round an obstacle course can be fun. The basket should be heavy and require effort but not so heavy as to strain the child pushing it. Playing wheelbarrow games where the child is the wheelbarrow may also be helpful. Again, this requires concentration of effort.

Some children benefit from the use of a weighted blanket. There are a variety of manufacturers who produce these. The blanket may be weighted with a variety of fillings. Ideally the weight of the blanket should be about 2.2Kgs heavier than the child. Tucking a child in a weighted blanket offers firm pressure over the body and for some children this is very comforting. It can feel a little like being swaddled, held comfortably without the need for someone to do the holding.

Using white noise in the bedroom can help some children because it blocks other noise and reduces distraction. For some children the same techniques which help children settle to sleep and remain asleep are every bit as effective for children affected by Autism and Autistic spectrum disorders. It simply requires more repetition before the child can relax and settle into the routine.

Every child is different. What works for one child may be less effective for another and it can take a while trying and repeating things to identify the most effective routine and resource for your child.

If you would like help with your child's sleep, Contact Dream-Angus.com

Sensory integration and sleep.

What does it take to make your child comfortable? For some children light touch is irritating. They prefer firm contact. These children often have difficulty settling to sleep when the bed covers are light but offer a weighted blanket and they settle much more easily.
Our perception of touch, sound, colour and texture is part of what makes us who and what we are. Children who have difficulties with their sensory information often also have difficulties in other areas of their lives. When we recognise this we can address it and provide the comfort that the child needs to feel secure in their environment.

Some children who require "deep stimulation" like to be held firmly and this will also assist in settling them to sleep. Using a sleeping bag or a weighted blanket is comforting because there seems to be a defined place in the bed for them, they feel as if they are being held, without any danger of "falling out" or being left loose.

Small babies enjoy being swaddled because it replicates the space they came out of and being swaddled is like being held without mum or dad having to hold them. Most children grow out of the need for this but some do not.

Settling to sleep is a behaviour that we want our children to acomplish by themselves, without the need for our intervention. Looking at each child as an individual and identifying the measures that make that child feel secure can help in assisting that child to relax and go to sleep.

Sleep disturbances are much more common in children with sensory difficulties than in the rest of the population. This is well recognised, but it is also possible to alter their sleep behaviour. It may present more difficulties and may take longer but it is certainly possible.

If you would like help and support in altering your child's sleep behaviour,
Contact Dream-Angus.com