I’ve worked with quite a few parents are carers with autistic children now who struggle with bed time routines with their children.
It’s usually either a struggle to get their child to bed at night at reasonable time or making sure they stay asleep through the night. And for some it may even be both.
I worked with one particular family whose 6 year old son would wake up each morning between 3-4 am.
And as soon as he was up, he’d shout and wake his parents to get up and play with him.
Admittedly they tried to put him back to bed, but he’d cry and scream so loud that they’d get no rest and felt like they had no choice but to get up with him eventually.
It was tough on them. They were visually, physically and emotionally shattered.
If you’re also going through these same issues begin by trying alter your child’s bed time routine.
Try putting your child to bed slightly later than usual. It may be that your child doesn’t need as much sleep as you think. I’m not saying keep them up till 11pm, but a slightly later bedtime of just 30/45 minutes may be a big help.
You could also set up a calming routine for your child before you put or send them to bed.
Bubble baths, massage, aromatherapy oils, relaxation music are all great ideas.
Also try cutting out or reducing TV and computer/ I pad games they have access to around an hour or so before their bedtime.
These sort of activities have been said to keep the too brain aroused/ busy, making it difficult to switch off and relax fully before bed time, so it inevitably takes longer to fall asleep.
One huge way of managing challenges at bed time is to teach your child to stay in their bedroom if they wake up at an inappropriate time. These times will be set by you and are personal to each family.
Now, this will no doubt be difficult to begin with if your child has got into a routine of waking you up very early every morning or getting out of bed in the night. But if you choose this way, it’s key to teach this new rule the right way and be consistent with it.
Before you put your child to bed, explain that in the morning when they wake up they will need to wait in their room for you to go in and get them. You can use visuals, alarm clocks or social stories if you think your child will respond better, there are loads of resources out there for this…
The first morning your child gets up early (before you) tell them calmly “It’s not time to get up yet” and put them back into their bed. Repeat the process if this continues, but next time do not say anything. You can also gesture prompt to their visual reminder or alarm clock at this point.
There is no real time period that this particular technique will work by, it all depends on the child. Every child is different. The main thing is that you are consistent and keep calm through the process.
Talking about being consistent… In ‘The Unlimited Autism Success Inner Circle’ I help parents and carers stay on track in order to get the very best from their children.
You’ll get guides and information on how to help your child manage their sensory needs, eat a more balanced diet, build friendships and lots more.
Click Here for more details and to become a member
Speak with you soon until then,
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today
Emma Ottaway
