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.Key TakeawaysCommon 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.Connect with The Autism Mumshttps://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmumsFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums  Transcript[00:00:00]Hello and welcome to the Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'mNatalie. We are two sisters raising autistic children who know thejoy, the challenges, and the everyday moments. This is a supportivespace for honest conversations, practical tips, shared strength andexpert advice. Whether you are celebrating a win, surviving ameltdown, or just trying to make it through the day, we are righthere 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 parentsof autistic children can relate to. Sleep struggles. We'll explorethe challenges surrounding sleepless nights. We are sharing ourpersonal experiences and discussing strategies that have helped usnavigate this exhausting journey.VictoriaBennion: For us, the sleep challenges started in line withwhen my son's [00:01:00] anxiety hit areal peak, and , it was all coming together at the same time. All thestruggles were getting so much worse and lack of sleep was one ofthem. . He would just be up till the early hours of the morning.It would get to 2:00 AM he'djust be completely unable to go to sleep. And it was at a time whenhe was so anxious as well. The lack of sleep was making everythingelse so much worse.It was making the sensorystruggle so much worse. It was making the anxiety the next day somuch 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 thatgradually, got worse., It was really, really exhausting. And weweren't yet at the pediatricians, and I didn't know anything aboutthe link even because this was before we had a diagnosis, I justdidn't know why he couldn't sleep and we were trying everything.We tried, going to bedearlier. Maybe he's overtired, and...

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