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Autism and Sleep

Autism and Sleep. Dian McFadden / Marjory Donoghue Sleep counsellors. AIMS. Identify sleep problems Contributory factors Impact on family Helpful approaches. Context. 56 – 83% of people with ASD experience some kind of sleep difficulty

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Autism and Sleep

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  1. Autism and Sleep Dian McFadden / Marjory Donoghue Sleep counsellors

  2. AIMS • Identify sleep problems • Contributory factors • Impact on family • Helpful approaches

  3. Context 56 – 83% of people with ASD experience some kind of sleep difficulty Source: groups.msn.com/the autismhomepage/sleep.msnw. Citing Clements, Wing & Dunn (1986) & Richdale & Prior (1995)

  4. Some of the problems? • Refusing to go to bed • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep • Getting out of bed • Early waking • Requiring a parent to sleep with the child, • Tantrums at bed-time • Hyperactivity at night

  5. Contributory factors • Insomnia likely multifactorial • May be abnormalities in melatonin levels • Poor concept of time • Behavioural - poor sleep habits • Rigid behaviour • Anxiety • Checking behaviour • Sensory sensitivities • Diet • Physical basis for sleep problems

  6. Impact of poor sleep • Can go on for years • Major cause of stress in families • May cause mental health problems • Can affect concentration and memory • Damages physical health: obesity, diabetes, heart disease • Drowsy during day

  7. Impact on family • PARENTS • Areas affected: • Relationships • Social life • Intimacy • Work life • Mood • Self esteem • SIBLINGS • Areas affected: • Relationships • Social opportunities • Education • Feelings • Self esteem • Guilt • Responsibility • CHILD • Areas affected: • Anxiety worsened • Inattention • Hyperactivity • Education • Mood • Behaviour

  8. Some helpful approaches • Address any physical needs • Involve and consult the child where possible • Behavioural strategies and routines • Social Stories • Visual supports /checklists • Using motivators • Relaxation techniques • Diet

  9. Expectations • Improved quality of life for all family • Child reaches full potential

  10. Points to consider • No quick fix • Consider readiness of child • Timing • Bigger picture • Good news • BOGOF!

  11. SAFE HEALTHY Sleep counsellors are trained in child protection. Helping children improve their sleep patterns helps parents care for their child better. Having healthy sleep is essential for children to reach their physical, emotional and educational potential ACTIVE INCLUDED Getting it right for every child approach Having enough sleep ensures that children can make the most of taking part in recreational activities at home and in the community Sleep Scotland helps children overcome the health inequality of sleep deprivation NURTURED RESPONSIBLE Resolving children’s sleep problems improves the sleep and wellbeing of the whole family enabling parents to provide better care for their children are educated in good sleep practice. Where appropriate they are involved in monitoring the progress of their sleep programme Where possible children help devise their sleep programme. Their needs are central to the the sleep counselling process Improving children’s children sleep improves their ability to learn, develop new skills and have confidence and Self esteem RESPECTED ACHIEVING

  12. Thank you !

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