Sleep Help for Kids with Special Needs

Hi there, I’m Kristel and I am a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and mom of a sweet, active, neurodiverse toddler. Most of my prior experience has been working as a behavioral therapist with autistic children of various ages in home, school, and clinic settings providing support in the areas of communication, academics, self-regulation and working on independence. 

I have a degree in elementary education but decided to pursue training in pediatric sleep after I became pregnant with my own son.

Learning about the topic has truly paid off in terms of managing and maximizing my family’s rest after having my son, and it has made all the difference seeing him happy, energetic and ready to learn after a good night’s sleep. There is this assumption that autistic children are just “bad sleepers”, and that this is something parents with children on the spectrum have to accept. 

I have firsthand experience that proves otherwise, and am eager to help other families learn ways to best support their kids in getting a good night’s rest, regardless of their diagnosis.

Good sleep is essential for the well-being of the entire family. And it is even more important for families of children with special needs, where parents are often taking on added caregiving roles, and where children are spending time working hard in their various therapies. 

I am happy to be joining Melissa’s team and am looking forward to supporting families in problem solving their child’s sleep.