Today we're exploring a topic that many parents of autistic children can relate to: Sleep struggles. We'll explore the challenges surrounding sleepless nights. We are sharing our personal experiences and discussing strategies that have helped us navigate this exhausting journey.

Common Sleep Struggles: Many parents of autistic children face significant sleep challenges, often exacerbated by anxiety and sensory sensitivities.

Impact of Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can worsen not only behavioral issues but also sensory struggles and overall well-being for both the child and the parents.

Trial and Error: Finding effective sleep solutions often involves trying various strategies, such as bedtime routines, environmental adjustments, and calming techniques.

Role of Melatonin: Melatonin can be beneficial for autistic children who struggle with sleep, but its usage requires careful monitoring and sometimes experimentation with different forms.

Communication and Support: Open communication with children about their sleep needs and preferences is crucial in finding solutions that work for them.

Self-Care for Parents: Managing sleep challenges can be exhausting, highlighting the importance of self-care strategies for parents, including seeking support and prioritizing rest when possible.

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[00:00:00]

Hello and welcome to the Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'm

Natalie. We are two sisters raising autistic children who know the

joy, the challenges, and the everyday moments. This is a supportive

space for honest conversations, practical tips, shared strength and

expert advice. Whether you are celebrating a win, surviving a

meltdown, or just trying to make it through the day, we are right

here with you.

Join us as we share the ups,

the downs, and everything in between parenting autistic children.

Natalie Tealdi: Today we are exploring a topic that many parents

of autistic children can relate to. Sleep struggles. We'll explore

the challenges surrounding sleepless nights. We are sharing our

personal experiences and discussing strategies that have helped us

navigate this exhausting journey.

Victoria

Bennion: For us, the sleep challenges started in line with

when my son's [00:01:00] anxiety hit a

real peak, and , it was all coming together at the same time. All the

struggles were getting so much worse and lack of sleep was one of

them. . He would just be up till the early hours of the morning.

It would get to 2:00 AM he'd

just be completely unable to go to sleep. And it was at a time when

he was so anxious as well. The lack of sleep was making everything

else so much worse.

It was making the sensory

struggle so much worse. It was making the anxiety the next day so

much worse 'cause he hadn't even rested and he's running on empty.

Natalie Tealdi: What sort of age was he then?

Victoria Bennion: He was eight. It was just something that

gradually, got worse., It was really, really exhausting. And we

weren't yet at the pediatricians, and I didn't know anything about

the link even because this was before we had a diagnosis, I just

didn't know why he couldn't sleep and we were trying everything.

We tried, going to bed

earlier. Maybe he's overtired, and...