Sleep is one of the most important things for growing kids. Without it, they can’t wake up feeling recharged and refreshed. For Denver parents with children on the autism spectrum, helping them get to sleep and stay asleep is often one of the hardest parts of the day. Here are a few simple things that can help your child sleep through the night on a more consistent basis.
Establish a Routine
For many autism spectrum kids, routines and patterns can help them relax. The more relaxed they are, the easier it will be to fall asleep. Make a bedtime routine and stick with it each day. Over time, this will get them in the habit and help them know what to expect.
Make Their Room a Safe Environment
Autism often causes children to have extreme sensitivities to light and noise. Make their room sleep-ready by installing blackout curtains to block outside light. Add a noise maker to provide consistent white noise that blocks out car horns and other unwelcome intrusions.
Focus on Their Diet
Believe it or not, children with autism often have dietary issues that cause gastrointestinal distress. Even a slight stomach ache can be enough to keep your kid up at night. Whenever possible, make sure they’re eating healthy foods and try spacing mealtimes out several hours before bed. This may help reduce the number of times your child gets up in the middle of the night.
Reach Out for Help
There are tons of resources available for Denver-based parents of children with autism. You don’t have to go through the journey alone. Speak with your child’s doctor about possible treatments and solutions that might help them fall and stay asleep.
Autism & Evaluation Services with Emerge in Denver
If you’re not sure if your child is on the autism spectrum, you may want to consider having them evaluated. This will help you better understand how they process information and respond to stimuli. At Emerge, we offer many services for families and individuals living with autism. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.