Researchers with the Autism Speaks ATN have developed and tested autism-specific strategies for improving sleep. Click on this website link to access the website and watch informative videos regarding bedtime routines and daytime habits.
There are three ATN/AIR-P tool kits currently available for download:
Strategies to Improve Sleep in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Parent’s Guide Tool Kit
This informational tool kit is designed to provide parents with strategies to improve sleep in their child affected by autism. Sections include:
- Things to keep in mind
- Provide a comfortable sleep setting
- Establish regular bedtime habits
- Simple tips to a better bedtime routine
- Teach your child to fall asleep alone
- Encourage behaviors that promote sleep
Strategies to Improve Sleep in Children with Autism [English]
Estrategias para Mejorar el Sueño de los Niños con Trastornos del Espectro Autista [Spanish]
Sleep Strategies for Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Guide for Parents Tool Kit
This tool kit is designed to provide parents with strategies to improve sleep for autistic teens. It helps tackle the problems of falling asleep and staying asleep through the night. Sections include:
- Evening routines
- Good food habits
- Bedtime routine checklist
- A comfortable sleep setting
- Teen sleep practices
Strategies to Improve Sleep in Teens with Autism [English]
Estrategias para Fomentar el Sueño en Adolescentes con Trastorno del Espectro Autista [Spanish]
Melatonin and Sleep Problems in ASD: A Guide for Parents Tool Kit
Melatonin is a common medicine your doctor or healthcare provider may suggest to help improve sleep. This tool kit is designed to provide you with information about melatonin and help you decide if trying melatonin is right for you child. Sections include:
- What is melatonin?
- Why might supplemental melatonin help children with autism?
- What are the risks?
- How will I know of melatonin is working?
- What if melatonin does not improve my child’s sleep?
Melatonin and Sleep Problems: A Guide for Parents [English]
La melatonina y los trastornos del sueño en los TEA: Guía para padres [Spanish]
Sleep Tool Kit Quick Tips
In addition to the Sleep Tool Kits, ATN/AIR-P created some “quick tips” that might help improve a child’s sleep. Start by reading the Sleep Tool Kits above. Then look at these additional ideas for help with:
- Using a Visual Schedule to Teach Bedtime Routines
- Images for a Visual Schedule
- Using a bedtime pass
- Sleep Tips for Children with Autism who have Limited Verbal Skills
Quick Tips: Improving Sleep for Children with Autism [English]
Consejos Prácticos Cómo Mejorar el Sueño en Niños Autistas [Spanish]
View or download this web page in PDF format.