Sleep Therapy | Lehigh Valley Autism

If your child has inconsistent sleep patterns, you are not alone. It impacts behavior, daily family activities, therapy effectiveness and academics. It's common for children with Autism to sleep during the day, stay up during the night or wake up at odd hours because of their cicadian rhythms being off.

If you clicked on this page, you are probably already to the point of exhaustion and looking for some relief right now. Here are some things you can do to improve sleep.

Here are some things you can do to improve sleep:

For toddlers/preschoolers, bedtime routine begins at 6:45p.m.and should start at 7:30p.m.
For school age children, bedtime routine begins 7:30p.m. and should start at 8:00p.m.
Before bedtime, many professionals recommend taking away electronics at least one hour before bedtime. This article explains what screen times does to a developing brain.
Using a lavender essential oil at their neck or wrist can be effective in calming a child (please read the label to make sure the oil can be used on skin). Essential oils can be powerful so be sure to use as directed. Or bathe your child in a lavender bubble bath. However, it's worth mentioning that Lavender can have the opposite effect on some children.
Turn down all the lights in the house to help relax your child.
If you don't have one yet, establish a routine and you can use a picture chart to show the routine.
Make sure the room is completely dark. Even a nightlight can throw off their circadian rhythm.
Turn off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime and turn the lights down.
Exercise after school or before bed can tire them out.
Keep a sleep log: Record what time they go to sleep, what time you actually think they fall asleep, what time they wake up, exercise, and diet.
White noise machines or the bubbling of a fish tank can also help.
Download a sleep toolkit.
Try doing some yoga poses with your child. There are some books in the parent library on this website.
Try guided sleep meditation. There are some wonderful guided mediation stories on Youtube.com that are free. Allow your child choose the story. Click here for an example.

Dr. Mary Barbera shares her experiences on her Podcast about how they resolved some common sleep challenges many parents have on with their kids on the Spectrum.

Recommended books:

Sleep Better!: A Guide to Improving Sleep for Children with Special Needs, Revised Edition

Solving Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Frazzled Families

Melatonin:

A Word or two about Melatonin Use: Many parents are inclined to regularly use Melatonin. It should be administered under the direction of a physician because dosage is based on weight. Melatonin does come in a liquid form which is much easier to give. Melatonin is a natural hormone made by your body's pineal gland. Normally, the pineal gland is dormant during the day but secretes melatonin at night to help you sleep. Parents need to be aware that Melatonin as a supplement is NOT regulated by the FDA.

Dr. Craig Canapari, MD gives more information about Melatonin use with kids who have Autism. He is a pediatrician at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital in New Haven, CT, specializing in the care of children with breathing and sleep problems. Click here for a guide.

If these suggestions don't work or lack of sleep seems to be a chronic issue, here is a list of professionals to turn to:

Providers:

Dharmeshkumar T. Suratwala, MD, Chief, Section of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

at Lehigh Valley Health Network

He is also Pediatric Pulmonologist who has experience in working with children diagnosed with Autism.

Where: 1210 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 2700, Allentown, PA 18103

Call: 610-402-3866

Website

St. Luke's Sleep Disorders Center and Neurodiagnostics *

Where: 240 Cetronia Road, Suite 210 B, Allentown, PA 18104

Website

Non-Medical Sleep Consultants

Knappenberger Sleep Consulting

I restore lives by restoring sleep. I work collaboratively to teach young children independent sleep skills. I use a gentle sleep training method and CAN get your child sleeping.

Phone: 610-392-5922

Website

Services: For anyone in the family who is having trouble sleeping consistently including adults and teens, typically developing children or children with disabilities, Ronee is passionate about helping everyone get a better nights sleep. She is also a certified lactation consultant and teaches infant massage.

Website