It comes as no surprise that kids experience sleeping difficulties as early as 1-4 years old. However, kids with autism have even worse, sometimes more elaborate problems. Research shows that it is estimated that between 40% and 80% of kids with ASD have problems while sleeping (Goldman S.E. et al. Dev. Neuropsychol. 34, 560-573 (2009) PubMed).
We at Reinforcement Unlimited, LLC are very excited to offer a Sleep Consultation Service to families. Sleep is one of the most taken-for-granted aspects of our children’s lives and yet disruptions in sleep are very common among children with an Autism Spectrum disorder.
Sleep is critical to a child’s:
- Development
- Health
- Well-being
The most common forms of sleep disturbance for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder reported were:
- Settling
- Night Waking
What is a Sleep Consultation?
There are multiple ways to help with your child’s sleeping schedule, such as creating a nighttime schedule, avoiding sugar and caffeine, creating a well-rounded sleep environment, etc. Our Sleep Service offers a new way for you to create healthy sleeping habits that will help your child and you! We will meet with you and your child to discuss the current nighttime sleeping patterns and ask you questions that will help us determine the right approach to take with creating the new sleeping patterns for your child.
After the first initial meeting, we will gather the information given and provide the new routine for your child to take at nighttime before they go to bed.
What causes sleep disorders in kids on the spectrum?
This question is not directly known but there are a few theories that some think to be a cause. One being that sensitivity to touch and sound could have an affect on an autistic child’s sleep; any sort of noise from outside of their bedroom or any touch of their parents kissing them and telling them goodnight, can cause them to wake up abruptly.
How will the Sleep Service help my child?
Sleep disorders may worsen daytime mood and behaviors such as self-injury and aggression in children. It also effects all cognitive and academic skills in all children. Research indicates that sleep deprivation also has a negative impact on sustained attention, memory, complex language tasks, and visuospatial skills.
For more information on our Sleep Service, call us at 770-591-9552.