Here are five nighttime routines that can help ease children back into a school routine:1. Establish a consistent bedtime: Set a specific time for your child to go to bed each night, and stick to it. This will help regulate their internal clock and ensure they get enough sleep. Even if they don’t go to sleep immediately a set time helps with wind down.2. Create a calming bedtime routine: Develop a relaxing routine before bed, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to soft music. This will signal to your child that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.3. Limit screen time before bed: Avoid electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and TVs, at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with sleep patterns. I know this one is hard with autism.4. Prepare for the next day: Encourage your child to pack their school bag, lay out their clothes, and organize any necessary materials the night before. This will help reduce morning stress and make the transition to school smoother. One of my children used to take a shower at night and sleep in his school clothes for the next day.5. Set a consistent wake-up time: Establishing a consistent wake-up time will help regulate your child’s sleep schedule. Try to wake them up at the same time every morning, even on weekends, to maintain a routine. We always had to wake our children up an hour before time to leave. If you rush them they slow down but given plenty of time to get ready seems to make them move faster.Remember, it may take some time for your child to adjust to the new routine, so be patient and provide gentle reminders and guidance along the way.
Night Time Routines & Autism
