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SLEEP THERAPY ROAD MAP

 

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:

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  • 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. https://handsonotrehab.com/screen-time-brain-sensory-processing/

  • 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 by clicking on https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/sleep-tool-kit

  • 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. Here's an example of one:

       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWOHcGF1Tmc

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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

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Melatonin:

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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.

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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.

http://drcraigcanapari.com/should-my-child-take-melatonin-a-guide-for-parents/

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Read more about Melatonin use with ASD in this articled published by International Journal of  Molecular Sciences ISSN 1422-0067  Advances in the Research of Melatonin in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Literature Review and New Perspectives

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Click here to download a paper: Advances in the Research of Melatonin in Autism Spectrum Disorders

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​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:

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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

Online: https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-dharmeshkumar-suratwala-xyn35

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St. Luke's Sleep Disorders Center and Neurodiagnostics *

​Where: Integrated Health Campus, 240 Cetronia Road, Suite 210 B, North Allentown, PA 18104

**Locations also at Bethlehem, Quakertown, Coaldale, Stroudsburg, and Warren.

Call: 484-526-1000 (to schedule an appointment)

Website: http://pediatrics.slhn.org/Other-Services/Sleep-Studies

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Non-Medical Sleep Consultants

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Knappenberger Sleep Consulting

Services: I am a Certified Infant and Toddler Sleep Consultant. I am committed to helping parents assist their children and babies in developing healthy sleep habits. With my BA in Special Education and Elementary Education, I have worked with children and their families for over 12 years in a variety of settings and have always excelled when I was helping others. 

Phone: 610-392-5922

Email: sleep@knappenbergersc.com

Website: https://www.knappenbergersleep.com/

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Sleeptastic Solutions©

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. She also teaches parenting classes. Read more here.

https://www.sleeptasticsolutions.com/classes/parenting-workshop/

Contact: Ronee Welch- Certified Integrative Adult Sleep Coach and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant by filling out the contact form. https://www.sleeptasticsolutions.com/contact.

Website: https://www.sleeptasticsolutions.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleeptasticsolutions

Parenting Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gentleparentingsolutions

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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.

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