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Allow enough time (25-30 minutes) - keep the pace relaxed but steady. □ Sounds & Voices: If child calls out, parent may return to door - respond in soft voice.ĥ. □ Sounds & Voices: If alone in bedroom, child may talk or sing himself/herself to sleep. □ Sounds & Voices: After the door is closed, keep TV volume low and adult voices quiet. □ Sounds & Voices: Quiet music or “white noise” (a small table fan) can be calming. □ Sounds & Voices: No loud voices during the pre-bedtime routine. □ Touch – for the child who can’t lie still, a weighted blanket might be the answer □ Touch – pajamas, slippers, sheets, pillowcase, stuffed animals should be clean and soft. □ Rhythm – a short period of cuddling and rocking often quiets toddlers/preschoolers. □ Light – a night-light or avery small desk lamp may reduce fear of the dark. □ Light – window blinds closed, curtains drawn, bedroom door closed or barely open. Optimize the sensory environment – light, rhythm, sounds & voices, touch. Your child’s speech clinician can create a schedule with BoardMaker software or you can design your own using the Visuals Engine at 4. Help your child feel calm and confident by making use of books or social stories about going to sleep in his or her own bed for a child with limited language skills, a visual schedule may serve the same purpose. He or she will be more likely to comply with non-preferred tasks if they are sandwiched between more enjoyable activities, like playing in the bathtub, reading a story or cuddling.ģ. Your child may dislike certain pre-bedtime tasks, such as getting undressed or brushing teeth. Include enjoyable activities before and after more difficult tasks. This will allow your child to feel less anxious, since he or she always knows what to expect.Ģ. Start the routine at about the same time each evening.īeginning the pre-bedtime routine at the same time each evening will help your child’s body rhythms to get in sync. Developing Effective Pre-Bedtime Routines for Children with Autismġ.

Boardmaker calm voice boardmaker calm body