Why Does My Autistic Child Have Trouble Sleeping?

Sleep difficulties can include taking a long time to fall asleep, waking during the night, waking very early, restless sleep, or having trouble settling after a busy day. A consistent bedtime and wake time, a calm and predictable routine, lower light and noise, less stimulating screen use before bed, and familiar calming activities may help. Because sleep problems can also have medical or environmental causes, ongoing or severe sleep difficulty deserves proper evaluation rather than assuming it is simply part of autism.