Many of us have children on the #autism spectrum who take a long time to go to sleep, stay up very late, or get up periodically throughout the night.
Here are the top 10 pitfalls that you may not realize can make it more difficult for your child to go to sleep and stay asleep.
1) Feeding your child before bed.
2) Feeding your child foods with sugar, dairy, or food colorings (any time of day).
3) Playing a fun, high-energy game before bed.
4) Allowing your child to watch TV or be on the computer (or similar device) before bed.
5) Having activity downstairs (in the kitchen, living room, etc.) among the adults during the period just after your child is put to bed.
6) Always staying in the bedroom with your child until your child falls asleep.
7) Letting your child sleep in your bed with you.
8) Taking your child out of his/her room, giving them a drink or a bit to eat when he/she gets up in the middle of the night.
9) Having a stressed-out emotional state during the time leading up to bedtime.
10) Feeling frustrated (and maybe pushy) about your child not going to sleep.
For an explanation of these pitfalls – plus the steps for exactly what to do to instead – read Kate C. Wilde’s new book, Autistic Logistics