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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
3006 Eastpoint Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40223
2 days ago
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A MyAutismTeam Member

I wake up earlier then my kid when I can and help him get ready like brush teeth, make breakfast on time and have him do some arts or computer. For bed time he usually sleeps around 9:30 or 10pm so I give him magnesium around 630pm and melatonin around 8:30pm (this you should talk to your pediatrician first) and turn all the lights off. We tried to keep consistent, but there are days that it doesn't goes as we want😅. It's either because he is hot (hot sleeper) like when the weather changes or when he had a bad day and now it's his hormones since he is an teenager😅 Hoe it helps😊

2 days ago
A MyAutismTeam Member

https://livingautism.com/autism-and-sleep-ten-p...

Visual Schedules and First-Then Boards

• Visual Schedules: Use picture cards, icons, or a wall checklist showing the exact sequence of events (e.g., bath → brush teeth → pajamas → story → bed). Allowing the child to look at or point to and move pieces through the steps themselves builds a sense of control and reduces verbal arguments.
• First–Then Phrasing: Direct, concrete language helps bypass processing delays: "First brush teeth, then read a book" or "First shoes on, then breakfast."

Timers and Advance Notice

• Countdown Warnings: Give gentle heads-up signals before a transition happens using visual timers, 5-minute verbal warnings, or musical cues. This stops a shift from feeling abrupt or surprising.
• Transition Rituals: Use a consistent song, a special toy, or a short dance to cleanly mark the end of one activity and the start of the next.

Bedtime Strategies

• Calming Sensory Environment: Dim the lights, turn off screens or loud electronics 30 to 60 minutes before bed, keep the room cool, and utilize comfort items like weighted blankets or soft stuffed animals.
• Repetitive Anchors: Keep the routine short (15 to 30 minutes) and identical every night so the repetition signals to the body that sleep is coming.
• Handling Night Waking: Keep middle-of-the-night interactions quiet, low-stimulus, and boring with minimal lights or talking.
For more structured toolkits and step-by-step frameworks, see the Autism Speaks Sleep Tool Kit and guidance on ABA-Based Routines from ASD Therapy Services

Autism and Sleep. Ten possible strategies. - Living Autism
Autism and Sleep. Ten possible strategies. - Living Autism
2 days ago
A MyAutismTeam Member

Add in extra time for mishaps and struggles. Like get up 20 minutes earlier if possible or start bedtime earlier.

2 days ago (edited)
MyAutismTeam

Transitions like bedtime and mornings can be tricky for children with autism, but consistent routines can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help things run more smoothly:

Bedtime Tips
- Start a wind-down routine at the same time each night (e.g., bath, books, a calming video)
- Keep the environment calm and Show Full Answer

Transitions like bedtime and mornings can be tricky for children with autism, but consistent routines can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help things run more smoothly:

Bedtime Tips:
- Start a wind-down routine at the same time each night (e.g., bath, books, a calming video)
- Keep the environment calm and predictable — dim lights, quiet sounds
- Avoid overstimulating activities close to bedtime

Morning Tips:
- Use visual schedules so your child knows what comes next
- Keep the order of steps the same every day
- Give gentle warnings before transitions (e.g., "5 more minutes, then breakfast")

General Tips for Both:
- Practice deep breathing together — children often mirror a parent's calm state
- Reduce sensory triggers like bright lights or loud sounds during transitions
- Celebrate small wins to build positive associations with routines One MyAutismTeam member shared that starting a nighttime routine around 7:30 PM with a bath, books, and a calming video worked really well for their family. Consistency was the key ingredient!

2 days ago

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