Strategies to Improve Sleep in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

A Parents Guide.

These materials are the product of on-going activities of the  Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, a funded program of Autism Speaks. It is supported by cooperative agreement UA3 MC 11054 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Research Program to the Massachusetts General Hospital.

This informational booklet is designed to provide parents with strategies to improve sleep in their child affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Many children with ASD have difficulty with sleep. This can be stressful for children and their families. The suggestions in this booklet are based on both research and clinical experience of sleep experts. These strategies are for children of all ages, including teens, but some of the suggestions (such as avoiding naps) are geared toward older children who no longer need naps.