SLEEP
SUREFIRE WAYS
to Help Your ASD Child Go To Bed
By Kim V. FAIMAN
In order to have a good day, your child must sleep. That is easier said than done when
raising a child on the spectrum.
be your nightly sanity once they are asleep. My
boys at the age now of almost 18 still have bedtimes and a routine).
Bath every night (if you cannot bathe, wash up is
just as good).
PJ’s on.
Read a book or story following bath.
Once you have read the book, lights are low, no TV
or loud noises. You want to keep it calm and quiet.
In their bedroom is where they stay. Make your
exit right away after kissing goodnight. Tell them
it is bedtime. Keep repeating this.
Let me explain why this works. A bath calms and
sets the tone that it is close to bedtime. Pajamas
on means bedtime is next. Reading is of course
important but also relaxes your child and creates a special bond between you. Once the kiss
goodnight and prayers or whatever you end
with is done, child knows it time to go to sleep.
What I found when trouble arises:
T
he most important thing to establish immediately is a nighttime routine. This routine must be
consistent and enjoyable.
This is how we succeeded:
Set a nightly bedtime and STICK TO IT!
Around an hour before the bedtime, start the
night routine. (I did not let anything interfere with
this, no phone calls, no visitors, nothing. This will
They are thirsty - Do not allow them to get out of
bed. Bring them water, (if hungry, no food at bedtime - a snack before story or bath). It is important to
establish that it IS bedtime. If you allow them out of
the room, other than to use bathroom, it throws off
the whole routine.
If they come out, put them right back in bed. You
can rub back, sing a soft song, but less talking the
better. I would sit on the floor next to my sons
bed and gently rub his back and whisper prayers.
Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 44
| 9