Sleep problems in autistic children: a behavioral approach

Develop an individualized approach to sleep concerns with outcomes that matter to the child and family. This bilingual course helps behavior analysts distinguish difficulty falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, estimated sleep duration, and daytime functioning, then connect assessment findings with appropriate behavioral supports.

Use a sample sleep diary and graph to examine sleep latency, wake time after sleep onset (WASO), and estimated nighttime sleep. Explore accessible routines, communication for needs and help, caregiver training, and practical monitoring of well-being and family participation. Consider sleep and functioning alongside routine participation when reviewing progress.

Practice clinical decisions through the fictional cases of Bruno and Inés. Compare hypotheses, evaluate evidence, and plan follow-up while recognizing when pain, loud snoring, observed breathing pauses, or other concerns require medical coordination. Questions about melatonin or other supplements are referred to appropriately qualified medical professionals; the course does not provide prescriptions or dosing recommendations.

• Distinguish sleep concerns and define outcomes relevant to the child and family.
• Recognize signs requiring medical coordination and professional scope limits.
• Record and interpret sleep latency, awakenings, and estimated nighttime sleep while recognizing measurement limits.
• Connect hypotheses, evidence, and individualized supports without assuming unproven causes.
• Plan routines, accessible communication, and teaching with choice and participation.
• Train caregivers and review well-being, implementation, generalization, and maintenance.