Sleep challenges can affect any child, but neurodivergent children often experience additional factors that can make falling asleep and staying asleep more difficult.

For some children, sensory differences can make bedtime uncomfortable. Sounds, lights, clothing, bedding, or other environmental factors may make it harder to relax and settle for sleep. Other children thrive on predictability and may struggle when routines change or when bedtime expectations are not exactly what they were anticipating.

Some children have difficulty transitioning from preferred activities to bedtime, while others may experience anxiety around sleeping independently or separating from a caregiver at night. Communication differences can also make it harder for children to express what they need, leading to frustration, resistance, or prolonged bedtime routines.

Many families have developed strategies that help everyone get through the night, such as laying with their child until they fall asleep, rocking them to sleep, or responding to night wakings in ways that provide comfort and immediate relief. While these strategies often work in the moment, they can sometimes make it harder for a child to develop independent sleep skills over time.

As a BCBA with over 10 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children and their families, I understand that sleep is rarely a one-size-fits-all situation. My goal is to understand your child's unique needs, your family's routines, and the challenges you are experiencing so we can create a realistic plan that works for your family and helps everyone get the rest they need.