My daughter has a diagnosis of Autism. She has sleeping disturbance. Although we follow a sleep time routine, she finds hard to fall asleep. She takes around one hour to fall asleep and wakes up around 3am then again sleeps at 6am. I need advice.
Hi madhushree. Thank you for your question. How old is your daughter and is she under the care of a CAMHS multidisciplinary team ?
Sleep disturbances are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and are often influenced by underlying anxiety, which can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, ensuring a calming sleep environment, and limiting screen time before bed can help and make sure the same routine is followed on weekends. Some children with autism may have communication barriers making it difficult for them to express what is causing them distress. Try to identify any potential triggers that may be causing problems as children with ASD often have heightened sensory sensitivities, and even small disturbances, such as a ticking clock, the texture of bedding, or slight changes in temperature, can disrupt their sleep.
If anxiety is a significant factor, it’s important to discuss this with your child’s doctor. They may suggest managing anxiety with therapies or medications like SSRIs (fluoxetine) and recommend melatonin for occasional sleep challenges. Behavioral therapy can also offer strategies to address both anxiety and sleep difficulties. If the problem persists, consulting a pediatric sleep specialist or developmental expert can provide further support which can be arranged by the CAMHS MDT.