Bedtime Strategies for Kids with Autism and ADHD Can Help All Families Get More Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is important for children's learning and development. When young people don't get enough sleep, it can impact their mood, school performance, health, and behavior. The impact of sleep on quality of life is a force everyone can relate to. For children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and attention-defect hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a poor night's sleep can have even more far-reaching impacts on not only the child's mental health, but on the mental health and stress levels of parents, too. Up to 80% of autistic children have trouble with their sleep. Common behavioral difficulties parents report include dyssomnias (problems going to sleep), parasomnias (problems waking up overnight), and early morning waking. These problems tend to persist if they are not treated effectively. Read More