Autism and Sleep

Understanding the links between autism and sleep ›

Tips for improving sleep for children with autism ›

Seeking help from a healthcare professional ›

Frequently asked questions ›

Bedtime Checklist

To help your child fall asleep, it is important to follow an established routine every night. The more consistent the routine from one night to the next, the easier it will be for your child to go to bed and fall asleep.

Your child may benefit from a visual schedule, or to-do list to follow at bedtime, (for example, pictures, words, or both) to help them remember each step.

These are some of the things you may want to consider when developing your child’s personalised bedtime routine.

  1. Put on your pyjamas
  2. Go to the toilet
  3. Wash your hands
  4. Brush your teeth
  5. Have a glass of water
  6. Go to your bedroom
  7. Sing a song
  8. Listen to music
  9. Read a story
  10. Take your comforter
  11. Have a hug
  12. Have a kiss goodnight
  13. Go to bed
  14. Say goodnight
  15. Mum leaves your bedroom / Dad leaves your bedroom
  16. Go to sleep

Bedtime Routine for Colouring

Download this visual schedule and colour it in so you can create your personalised bedtime routine.

Bedtime Routine Coloured

Download this colourful visual schedule and create your personalised bedtime routine.

UK/FLY/2023/2393 March 2023