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<\/a><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Internet is overflowing with advice from self-professed experts on how to help children sleep at night. But the truth is that children, especially those with ASD, need comfort and security to fall asleep. And often comfort and security equal mom and dad being right there beside them, trying to tuck their adult size bodies into a toddler bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can definitely be frustrating at times for parents when children cannot fall asleep on their own, but with patience and a predictable routine, your evenings will get better eventually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Safe Sleep Systems is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no additional cost to you. Learn more<\/a><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
ASD children often thrive on predictability and security and bedtime is no exception. Without knowing when \u201cbedtime\u201d is, children can become overwhelmed. So, having a set bedtime is key. Sometimes it\u2019s necessary to have the same bedtime even on weekends when parents may be tempted to let their kids stay up, \u201cjust one more hour.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those big pleading eyes can be heart-wrenching and parents can be very tempted to give in! But, with children who need<\/a> that set routine, keeping the same bedtime even on the weekends may help them to more easily fall asleep on their own in their own beds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that brings us to evening routines. If your child thrives on it, stick to the same one every night. You can even have a visual schedule<\/a> for your child showing each activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some children may need some time to get comfy in their beds and want to do a quiet activity such as read a book before falling asleep. Sometimes it helps to include some family time or time with mom or dad by reading a book together before bed. Also having a bed suitable for a child with autism is crucial, and there are plenty of autism bed tents for children available online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parents, take a look at your child\u2019s schedule. If they have activities during evening hours that may cause them to become overwhelmed, this may affect their ability to fall asleep on their own. They may be too stressed by their evening activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If this is the case, you may want to consider moving or even eliminating some of the extracurricular activities that are interfering with your child\u2019s ability to relax and get comfy when it gets dark outside and everybody is yawning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your child still has trouble falling asleep or transitioning to their own bed<\/a>, seek a professional to help you. Some children with Autism have enough trouble sleeping that they require prescribed or over-the-counter medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For children who are new to sleeping in their own beds and still need their parents to help them fall asleep,<\/a> you may need to help them make a slow transition. Sometimes there is no quick fix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As children become comfortable falling asleep in this little bed, parents can begin to move the mattress to their child\u2019s room. It may take some time, but even doing this in painstaking stages going a little further each time, may help your child feel more comfortable and eventually sleep in their own beds! <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weighted blankets<\/a> may help a child to fall asleep and stay asleep. Be sure to consult a professional before introducing one, but the extra pressure on their bodies can have a soothing and calming effect. A comforting compression vest <\/a>can also help with your child’s pre-bed routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nComplete darkness may not do you any favors when trying to get children settled in their beds. You may explore some nighttime lighting options with your child to see what works best. There are lots of sensory-friendly options that have a calming effect on children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If nighttime noise is an issue, some children need white noise to help them get sleepy.\u00a0There are lots of noise machines designed especially for sleeping. Also, even a simple\u00a0box fan in their room could do the trick to drown out any noise that may be keeping\u00a0them awake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
