One of the central characteristics of autism, confirmed from clinical experience and research, is difficulty achieving an age-appropriate sleep cycle. As clinicians, we frequently explore an autistic individual’s ability to fall asleep and factors that disrupt the duration, depth, and quality of sleep. We recognise that a good night’s sleep is extremely valuable in encouraging concentration and emotion regulation for the following day.

We now have effective strategies to improve an autistic person’s sleep and resolve issues such as an autistic child sleeping with a parent, which can be disruptive for the whole family.

We will cover

• The function of sleep
• The expected sleep cycle and stages of sleep throughout the life span
• Research and clinical experience on sleep issues associated with autism
• Aspects of autism that affect sleep such as sensory sensitivity, anxiety, melatonin metabolism
• Sleep education programmes
• Behavioural interventions for sleep
• Sleep advice from autistic adolescents