Does Autism Cause Sleep Problems?
Sleep Train or Potty Train?
When speaking to special needs families, this question of what to start with comes up a lot. “We’ve just gotten a potty training plan from our BCBA.” “We’re set to toilet train in a couple weeks. Should we wait to start a plan?” It is important to give your child to opportunity for independence with […]
ABA Therapy and Sleep
For any child with special needs, getting the treatments needed for development and health is crucial. In order for them to have the best opportunities to thrive, parents like you are determined to get their child the services that they so desperately need. One common therapy many kids with autism receive is ABA, or Applied […]
Sleep and Auditory Sensitivity for Kids with Special Needs
For many children with special needs, being sensitive to sounds can be a problem when trying to sleep well. But, what does auditory sensitivity look like? Here are some common signs: If your child has any of the above issues (or most these issues), it’s no surprise that sleep is difficult! Your child’s brain is […]
The Best Time to Sleep Train Your Child with Special Needs
As you very well know, life can throw a lot of curve balls. When you have kids, it’s an endless ebb and flow of school, therapy sessions, camps, classes, extra curricular activities, and more! And, sometimes life throws a global pandemic in the mix which throws everyone into a loop. Thanks, life. I think there […]
5 Calming Bedtime Activities for Your Child with Special Needs
One of the most important steps to help your child with special needs sleep better is a consistent bedtime routine. This helps the brain and body wind down for sleep, and makes sleep predictable. For a child with special needs, having a consistent routine each nights helps them to calm down and relax after a […]
Foods to Avoid for Better Sleep
For many kids with special needs, a close look at the diet is important for a better nigh’s rest. The gut and brain are very closely connected. If something is in the digestive system that shouldn’t be there, it’s going to cause ripple effects (learn more here). But, diet is often not even considered when […]
What’s Happening in the Brain While We Sleep?
Unraveling the mystery behind why we sleep Let me preface this by saying this — sleep science is still trying to figure out what exactly is going on. Sleep is by far one of the most mysterious things our bodies do and for decades researchers have been trying to get to the bottom of it. […]
The Melatonin Mess
For overtired parents who are struggling to get their child with special needs to sleep better through the night, the idea of a pill or supplement to quickly fix the problem can sound pretty tempting. The truth is? Long term, it does not solve poor sleep once and for all. Melatonin is a hormone that […]
Why You Need Consistency
Changing anyone’s habits can be a difficult thing. Studies show that for adults, it can take up to 66 days to form a new, consistent habit. I am of the belief that the younger you are, the more easily you can adapt to something new. I see this all the time with sleep training — […]
