does he take any naps? Does he eat at night ? food can create energy. Have you tried melatonin? or some Lavender spray, they have pillows on Amazon. We tried all of it right now we have her in swimming lessons bc water I’m saying all this things because we are also going through the same thing and still going … Hi, my name is Marlyn and my daughter Mia who is 4 years old with severe autism and non-verbal.

As a parent who has lived through the struggles with sleep deprivation I can empathize with others who are going through this.
My best advice would be for his parents to try to get him to explain how he feels when he wakes. Question how he feels when he wakes, for example, does he have stomach discomfort, possible indigestion issue. Basically as a parent we have to do our best to try to understand any underlying issues that could be causing him to wake up. Since he is verbal, it should be easier to figure out why he is struggling to stay asleep through the night, if he can tell his parents how he physically feels then this is a good start. Also, anxiety could be a factor too. Maybe he is anxious about starting school & being away from his parents. Changes in typical routines are often a stress factor for ASD kids. If he is able to tolerate a sleep study I suggest they make an appointment to have one done. This could help explain any unknown underlying conditions he might have. Unfortunately, Autistic children in general have trouble with sleeping & it can be a challenge to figure out how to help them best. I hope I’ve helped by giving them other options that they might haven’t tried yet.

Absolutely.
1. Familiarity: The smell of their parent(s); Have them give up a pillow case they have been using for the last week. Don't wash it. Their parent's smell will bring them comfort.
2. Calming: Lavender; That particular plant has the ability to calm and relax.
3. Self Confidence: Monster Spray; Make a bottle with these ingredients and have them spray their bedroom (Under their bed, in their Closet, etc...)
3/4 bottle of warm water
1 tbsp Baking Soda
Few drops of Lavender Essential Oils (or Equivalent)
Fill the rest with Fabric Softener
Shake well
#3 will also serve as #2