Navigating Sleep Challenges for Autistic Children

You are probably familiar with sleep challenges if you have an autistic child. Perhaps your child has a very difficult time getting to sleep. Maybe they constantly get out of bed for a drink of water or reassurance. Maybe they are up for hours in the night playing, crying or talking, or maybe they wake up very early in the morning no matter how little sleep they get.

You are not alone! Sleep difficulties are a remarkably common occurrence among autistic children. The big question that all parents ask is: "how can I help my autistic child get a better night's sleep?"

To answer this question we would like to introduce Tina Allen, LMT, CPMMT, CPMT, CIMT, a premier international expert and authority on infant and pediatric massage therapy. Her innovative approach to children’s health has allowed her the unique opportunity to educate caregivers and healthcare professionals throughout the world and create pediatric massage programs in 100+ medical institutions, including the Mayo Clinic, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

In an article written for Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, Tina Allen gives parents 6 Steps to help autistic children get a good night's rest.

1. Set a consistent bedtime
2. Create a calming sleep environment
3. Establish a calming bedtime routine
4. Limit screen time
5. Incorporate pediatric massage and touch therapy
6. Be consistent and patient

As parents, we understand the profound impact that quality sleep has on our children's overall well-being. We understand the impact quality sleep has on our OWN well-being! Exploring Tina Allen's suggestions and integrating them into our daily routines might just be the key to unlocking restful nights for our beloved children.

Access Tina's article in our article directory by clicking here.