We all need sleep. When you fall asleep, your body goes through a restorative process that helps you learn and recover from the experiences of the day. Sleep is particularly important for children, as their brains are rapidly developing in youth. Getting enough sleep is an essential part of maintaining good health.

However, you may have been struggling to get your autistic child to get the sleep that they need. Maybe your child insists on sleeping on the floor, and you don’t understand why they won’t get in bed. Don’t worry, this is not an uncommon problem.

This article will help you understand some of the common sleep issues that autistic children go through and offer you some easy tools that can help your child sleep better.

 

Sleeping Statistics and Common Sleep Problems Among Autistic Children

It can be estimated that anywhere from 40 to 80% of autistic children have some trouble sleeping at night, according to a large 2019 study and a variety of other studies. Autistic children have a much harder time falling and staying asleep than other children do, and issues like gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, and ADHD can make getting sleep even harder.

What problems can poor sleep exacerbate? Poor sleep is responsible for a number of common discomforts. Insomnia can poorly affect your memory and make communication more difficult—something that can already be challenging for your autistic child.

Children who don’t get enough sleep often display more severe repetitive behaviors than children who do.

Is lack of sleep the cause of health problems? This relationship is actually a bit unclear. Often, health problems and anxiety disorders play a part in preventing a good night’s sleep. However, insomnia can worsen these same issues. The relationship between sleep and health is profound—even if it’s difficult to define exactly when poor sleep is the cause of a health problem or if the health problem is causing poor sleep. 

What is clear is that consistent, good sleep helps alleviate personality disorders and illnesses. It won’t “cure” problems like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other issues that are common in children with autism. But a good night’s sleep has been shown to help autistic children deal with these issues, helping them communicate better while stimming repetitive behavior patterns.

Odd sleeping patterns. Your child may start falling asleep in unusual ways, even sleeping on the floor.

But why does your child want to sleep on the floor, and how can you help your child sleep better?

 

Why Do Autistic Children Like to Sleep on the Floor?

You want your child to get the sleep that they need, but night after night you face endless challenges that are preventing this. Your child won’t lay in bed, they may constantly get up, and they may end up passing out on the floor. Somehow, they seem to sleep better there than they do on their bed. Why is this?

Sensory Processing Disorder

Many autistic children have sensory sensitivities and may have a sensory processing disorder (SPD). If your child has symptoms of SPD, it may mean that they are far more sensitive to stimuli than most people are not.

These symptoms may include thinking their clothes are too itchy or scratchy, lights are too bright, sounds are always too loud, food textures make them gag, and excessive clumsiness. They may not like touching or holding things, which prevents them from participating in activities.

SPD is currently not an official medical diagnosis, as it often appears alongside other diagnoses like severe anxiety, but that doesn’t mean that your child isn’t suffering from sensory overload.

Many autistic children struggle with sensory overload. SPD is often another aspect of autism that your child is feeling. This can mean at bedtime when you’re trying to tuck your child into their soft blankets, they are actually experiencing something incredibly uncomfortable.

The Bed Conundrum

There is likely nothing physically wrong with your child’s bed in a literal sense. However, to your child, that bed may feel like an itchy prison that’s constantly triggering their sensory overload. It may be that the bed is too soft, too squishy, or not smooth enough.

All of these sensory stimuli can prevent your child from getting the sleep they need, as they can’t overcome the feelings of being overwhelmed. 

The Floor Just Feels Better

At night, your child may sleep on the floor because it offers them the comfort that their bed doesn’t. The floor is smooth, cool, and hard, which can be easier for a child with SPD to deal with than a very soft bed.

It may be that your child’s bed gets too warm at night, and so they seek out the coldness of the floor to comfort themselves. Laying on the floor can also help them feel more connected and grounded.

If you’re struggling to get your child to go to sleep, there are some products on the market that can help your child feel more comfortable in their bed.

 

4 Products to Make Bedtime Smoother

Here are some products you can use to make your bedtime rituals easier.

 

The DreamPad Products

Companies like DreamPad offer a list of products to help your child fall asleep, from weighted blankets to white noise machines.

These products are designed with children in mind and are made to help relieve anxiety and dysfunctions that are preventing your child from getting the sleep that they need.

Fidget Toys

Your child may need something to do during bedtime to help their mind relax into a restful sleep. Using a pillow, like this one that has texture and small tasks which your child’s mind can focus on, can help them more naturally fall asleep.

Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets are shown again and again to help anxiety. If your child has severe anxiety that gets worse when it’s time for bed, a weighted blanket can relieve these feelings. A small blanket, like this one made with children like yours in mind, can help your child relax at night before bed.

Bean Bags

Bean bags may be a great solution to a traditional bed at night. There are a wide variety of bean bags available online to suit any need or size.

A bean bag will help your child become accustomed to sleeping on a cushion, while also offering them the emotional and sensory comfort they feel being on the floor.

 

In Conclusion

Your autistic child may be suffering from myriad issues that are preventing them from getting a good night’s rest. By using some of the products we’ve recommended, you can start helping your child sleep better.

Brushing Teeth for Children With Autism

Good oral hygiene is not only healthy but can also boost your quality of life. Unfortunately, many children with autism find this seemingly simple experience very challenging.

As a parent or caregiver, you have to guide them through this process and make it as pleasant as possible. First, let’s discuss why it’s challenging for a child with autism to brush their teeth.

Why is Brushing Teeth a Challenge for a Child With Autism?

Many children diagnosed with autism find tooth brushing a very unpleasant experience due to sensitivity issues. Medical professionals categorize these issues into two categories: hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity.

Hypersensitivity and Hyposensitivity

Hypersensitivity refers to heightened sensation and awareness of anything that goes in the mouth area. Children with hypersensitivity perceive tooth brushing as an over-stimulative and unpleasant experience when not performed correctly.

Hyposensitivity, on the other hand, refers to numbness or limited sensation in the oral region. Autistic children with hyposensitivity often feel anxious about the steps in the tooth-brushing process.

Whether a child is hypersensitive or hyposensitive, below are some tips that can make brushing his or her teeth easier.

Tips for Brushing an Autistic Child’s Teeth

1.      Get the Right Toothbrush

A regular toothbrush may feel unfamiliar or foreign for an autistic child with oral sensitivity. So, instead of a regular toothbrush, find one with soft or silicone bristles. A gentler toothbrush can help desensitize your child’s mouth, and in time, they will gradually grow accustomed to the sensation of having their teeth brushed.

2.      Get the Right Toothpaste

As an adult, you’ve had years to get used to mint-flavored toothpaste. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for autistic children with sensitivity issues. In most cases, regular toothpaste causes a bitter or burning sensation in their mouths.

Fortunately, there is a wide variety of toothpaste with child-friendly flavors out there. You can choose flavors like vanilla ice cream, berry, and bubblegum. If your child likes experimenting with colors, you can also get them multicolored toothpaste.

3.      Try Fluoride-Free and Unflavored Toothpaste

In some cases, toothpaste’s flavor and foaming might cause sensory overload. So, instead of regular flavored toothpaste, go for unflavored and non-foaming toothpaste.

Since the major ingredient in foaming toothpaste is sodium laureth sulfate, your pediatric dentist might suggest a herbal or powder toothpaste as an alternative. Similarly, if your child has difficulty swallowing, it might help to start them off with a fluoride-free toothpaste before gradually transitioning them into fluoride toothpaste.

4.      Try Flossing

If your child doesn’t like using a toothbrush, flossing can also help them develop good oral hygiene. For the best results, let your child choose their favorite flavor. Apart from flavor, you should also consider the correct floss size.

If your child has widely-spaced teeth, then a thick floss would work best for them. Similarly, if your child’s teeth are closer together, consider getting them a thinner floss.

If flossing doesn’t work, try other toothbrush varieties. For example, if your child struggles to hold a toothbrush, try placing a foam grip or tennis ball on the handle to make it easy to hold. Electric toothbrushes also come in handy in providing stimulation for autistic children with hyposensitivity.

5.      Create Incentives/Awards

Verbal praises and reward systems work great in reinforcing positive behavior. Consider complimenting and rewarding your child once they’re done brushing their teeth.

6.      Do It in the Room Where the Child Is Most Comfortable

Autistic children can benefit from visual supports and schedules that help them associate toothbrushing with a daily routine. While you’re at it, consider the child’s favorite room and place all their designated toothbrushing supplies in that room.

The tips above will improve your child’s experience when brushing their teeth. Now, let’s look at how your child should brush their teeth.

The Correct Way to Brush Teeth

When you brush your child’s teeth, make sure to clean the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces. The following steps can guide you in properly brushing your child’s teeth.

• Brush the top front teeth five times.
• Brush the bottom front teeth five times.
• Brush the bottom back teeth five times.
• Brush the top back teeth five times (outside, inside, and chewing surfaces).
• Brush the middle teeth five times (upper and lower incisors).
• Finally, brush the outside surfaces of teeth and rinse.

Toothpastes to Try

In most cases, regular toothpaste doesn’t work well with autistic children with sensitivity. That being said, the following examples of toothpaste have shown some very promising results with autistic children.

• Unflavored Toothpaste Oranurse – Oranurse is an unflavored toothpaste that’s specially formulated for autistic children who have a problem with taste. This non-foaming toothpaste has the daily recommended fluoride and does not contain any traces of sodium lauryl sulfate. This makes it especially suitable for autistic children who don’t like the taste of mint and also patients with sore mouths.
• Bob Unflavored Toothpaste – If your child does not like the taste of mint, then this might be the best toothpaste for them. This flavor-free toothpaste is made from natural xylitol and does not contain any harsh chemicals. Like our previous pick, this toothpaste also comes loaded with the recommended daily fluoride levels to provide the best cavity protection, tartar control, and enamel repair. It also comes in eco-friendly packaging.

• Jack N’ Jill Natural Kids Toothpaste – This toothpaste features a mild taste that makes it suitable for children who tend to swallow their toothpaste instead of spitting it out. It’s made from 100% natural ingredients like xylitol and calendula, which help actively prevent cavities and tooth decay. It also provides a soothing effect on the mouth and is gluten-free, fluoride-free, and SLP-free.

Best Toothbrushes for Autistic Kids

Finding the best toothbrush for your autistic kid can be pretty daunting. To make your shopping experience a little easier, we’ve reviewed two of the best toothbrushes for autistic kids.

• bA1 Sensory – This three-sided toothbrush has a 200% greater coverage per stroke and comes with very soft bristles to prevent sensory overload. The special expansion pleats allow the bristles to expand to different tooth widths, making it perfect for kids with oral motor issues. It also comes with an ergonomic handle that makes it very easy for kids to hold.
• CollisCurve™ – Special Needs Toothbrush – If you want to provide the best toothbrushing experience for your autistic kid, then you should probably get them a toothbrush that’s specially designed for sensitive gums. This toothbrush features flexible and gentle bristles that are sure to reach all your child’s teeth without causing them any discomfort. It also comes equipped with expansion pleats that allow the bristles to expand to different tooth widths for a deep clean.

·         Happi Teeth Auto Toothbrush – If your kid doesn’t like their regular toothbrush, why not switch it up with an automatic toothbrush? This automatic toothbrush is guaranteed to make their toothbrushing experience more fun. It comes in a hand-less design, which means they don’t have to hold it when brushing their teeth. All they have to do is place it in their mouth, and it will do the rest.

Unlike most toothbrushes in the market, this toothbrush doesn’t use bristles to clean teeth. Instead, it utilizes ultrasound technology which eliminates the sensory effects associated with regular toothbrushes. Its ultrasound technology also enables it to reach all parts of the mouth, providing a deep-clean action that actively eliminates plaque and bad breath.

The Bottom Line

Mouth sensitivity among autistic children makes it very hard for them to practice proper dental hygiene. But, with the proper technique, coupled with the right tools for the job, you can make your child’s toothbrushing experience both fun and effective.

For autistic children who struggle with sensory issues, having their hair brushed may be extremely challenging, leading to angry outbursts and meltdowns. Below, we list some techniques that you can use to make hair brushing a more enjoyable experience for your child with autism.

Why Is Brushing Hair a Challenge for a Child With Autism?

Many children with autism have a condition known as sensory processing disorder. This condition can make personal care tasks, including brushing and styling their hair, very difficult. 

What is sensory processing disorder?

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a type of neurological disorder that prevents the brain and nervous system from correctly integrating sensory input from the environment. There are two types of sensory processing issues: under-sensitivity and oversensitivity.  

Some children with SPD are under-sensitive (hyposensitive). They show little or no reaction to sensations like heat, cold, and pain and often seek more sensory stimulation. Other children are oversensitive (hypersensitive) to the information they receive through their senses, causing them to avoid these sensations. For a hypersensitive child with sensory processing disorder, loud noises, bright lights, and touch can feel overwhelming.

Most children with autism spectrum disorder experience a mix of the two sensory issues. They are hyposensitive to certain sensations and hypersensitive to others. 

What senses are affected?

Sensory processing disorder can affect one or more senses that may cause your child to struggle with having their hair brushed.

Tactile

Many children with sensory issues have very sensitive scalps and don’t like to have their heads touched by brushes or combs. Tactile sensitivity is the most common reason for problems with hair care in autistic children.

Vestibular

The vestibular system controls the body’s sense of balance and motion. Some children don’t like having their heads tilted backward or forward when you brush their hair. It can make them feel uncomfortable, unsteady, and scared.

Auditory

Some autistic children are extremely sensitive to the sound of clippers or water in a shower.

Olfactory

Your child may react to the smell of hair products, which makes the hair brushing experience unpleasant.

Here are some tips on how to make hair brushing less stressful and slowly integrate it into your child’s daily routine. 

Tips for Brushing an Autistic Child’s Hair

• Determine the cause of your child’s aversion to hair brushing. Once you understand what your child’s main sensory issues are, you will be able to eliminate the causes of stress. 
• Accept that your child’s resistance to hair brushing doesn’t mean they’re being difficult. There might be a real sensory issue that is causing them pain or discomfort.
• Give your child more control, for example, allow them to choose hair products and let them brush and style their own hair.
• Don’t expect your child to sit still while you brush and style their hair. Let them play with a fidget, stress ball, or watch TV as a distraction.
• Let your child look at the mirror while you’re brushing their hair to give them a greater sense of control.
• Choose a low-maintenance hairstyle for your child that will require less brushing.

• Children with a sensory processing disorder depend on a reliable routine. Try to brush your child’s hair at the same time each day. It’s usually a good idea to do this after physical activity later in the day as children are often more sensitive in the morning.
• Make a visual schedule to break down hair brushing into smaller steps. This will also help your child understand what is expected from them.
• Use a visual timer to let your child know how long brushing their hair will take.

• Many autistic children are sensitive to gentle touch. Make sure to place your hand firmly at the top of your child’s head and brush small sections of the hair at a time. Hold a strip of hair above any tangles so that your child doesn’t feel the tugging as you pull the tangle loose. 
• Massage your child’s scalp before you start brushing their hair. This can help decrease sensitivity.
• If your child doesn’t like having their hair brushed, you may try switching to a brush designed for children with sensory issues. The hairbrush should have soft bristles with rounded heads to make the experience more comfortable. Let your child choose a brush that feels good.
• Use a good-quality hair detangling product to reduce discomfort. 

Keep on reading to find out what are the best brushes and hair detanglers for children with autism. 

Brushes for Children With Autism

Tangle Teezer Salon Elite Detangle Hairbrush

This professional detangling brush with memory flex technology can be used for all hair types. It eliminates tangles and knots on both wet and dry hair and minimizes breakage. 

Tanglefix

Tanglefix is perfect for brushing and detangling straight, wavy, and curly hair. This brush is lightweight and features soft bristles and easy-grip sides for better control. 

Knot Genie Detangling Brush

Knot Genie lets you easily brush and detangle your child’s hair. Its cloud-shaped top will fit your palm perfectly whether you’re right or left handed to make the brushing process more comfortable.

Hair Detanglers for Children With Autism

Johnson’s No More Tangles Spray Detangler

Johnson’s mild detangling spray instantly unlocks knots and tangles, making hair brushing and styling easier. The product can be used on wet or dry hair. It is hypoallergenic and contains no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic colors.

SoCozy Detangler Leave-In Conditioner Spray For Kids Hair

SoCozy detangler will soften your child’s hair in a matter of seconds, making it easy to brush. It is suitable for all hair types and will leave your child’s hair soft and shiny. This detangler contains keratin, soy protein, and kiwi extract to moisturize and protect the hair. It has no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, dyes, or allergens. 

Mane ‘n Tail Detangler The Tangles and Knots Solution

The Mane ‘n Tail detangler is formulated with natural herbal extracts to help nourish and strengthen your child’s hair. It’s safe and gentle for all hair types.

Most of us think of taking a bath as a relatively relaxing experience, but for someone who is sensitive to stimuli, there’s actually a lot going on.

 

When parents bathe their autistic children, they face a variety of challenges. Below we’ll discuss why that is and what parents can do to make bath time with an autistic child a more pleasant experience for everyone.

 

What is autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability. However, the reason it’s referred to as a “spectrum” disorder is because there is a wide variety of conditions that fit into this category, and some cases are more severe than others.

 

In general, autism is often characterized by delays in social development, communication issues, repetitive behaviors, and challenges related to interacting with the outside world.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.

 

Why may someone with autism have a bathing issue?

When a child is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, you may have trouble interacting with them. Characteristics of autism that can lead to challenges while bathing a child, specifically, include:

–          Their likeliness to get upset by minor changes

–          Their desire to follow specific routines

–          Physical reactions such as hand flapping and body rocking

–          Unexpected (and often unpleasant) reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

–          Their hyperactive and impulsive behavior

 

But the main challenge for children on the autism spectrum when it comes to bath time is their reaction to physical stimuli. An autistic child may find bath time traumatic, which in turn makes it hard for whoever is bathing them.

 

Heightened sensory issues

Children on the autism spectrum are often overstimulated during bath time. This may be because they do not enjoy the sounds and feelings associated with being in the bath or the need to sit still during their discomfort.

 

Some of the things that may affect them negatively include: 

            – Splashing or running water

            – Water temperature

            – Bathroom lights

            – The smells of soaps or shampoos

            – The feeling of soap on their skin

            – The feeling of being towel-dried or wrapped in a towel

            – The feeling or fear of getting soap in their eyes

            – The sound of water draining

 

As a result of these negative feelings, children may develop a fear of water. They may also get anxious about getting out of the tub and being exposed to the cold air or slippery surfaces.

 

A bathtub is a relatively confined space, which can lead to feelings of claustrophobia as well.

 

Tips for bathing someone with autism

The best way to make bath time more enjoyable (or at least less traumatic) for everyone is to limit a child’s exposure to potential fears as much as possible and play to their strengths.

 

Pick a time that works for them

Children on the autism spectrum generally like routine. If bath time happens at the same time and in the same way each day, there may be less room for anxiety over the unexpected.

 

It may also be wise to schedule bath time a few hours before or after other stimulating activities so the child is already calm and not overstimulated. 

 

Prepare the bath in advance

If your child is sensitive to sounds, fill the bathtub without them in the room. You may also keep in mind the height at which they prefer the water. Some children do not like to be submerged more than is necessary.

 

You can also perform a temperature check so you know the bath water will not be too hot or too cold for the child and cause them extra discomfort.

 

In addition, if you prepare a child’s bath ahead of time, you will have the chance to remove any items (such as toys or excess bottles) that might cause them anxiety.

 

Make a to-do list

Uncertainty on the part of the parent or child makes bath time more difficult. That’s why it may be helpful to make a list of everything you need to do in order to prepare your child for bath time.

 

In the event that another guardian is bathing them, having a list will help them keep bath time as consistent as possible for your child as well.

 

Minimize fragrances

Most fragrances are artificial anyway, so a fragrance-free bathroom might be in everyone’s best interests.

 

Children on the autism spectrum can react poorly to strong or new smells, so it’s a good idea to minimize fragrances by doing the following:

–          Eliminate air fresheners or other scented decor from the bathroom your child uses for bath time

–          Invest in soaps and shampoos that are fragrance-free

 

Decide if a shower or bath is better

In some cases, a shower may be a better option than a bath for a child on the autism spectrum. It will all depend on the individual and how they respond to the feeling of water on their skin.

 

Try both a bath and shower with your child, making sure you use a routine, pay close attention to water temperature, and eliminate as many scents as possible before deciding which they respond to best.

 

Toys for bath time

Some autistic children are easier to bathe when they are distracted by toys. Here are a few bath tub items to try:

 

Sensory sponges – This 14-piece sponge set is practical and playful. The different textures will allow your child to choose what they enjoy most. Click here for purchase information.

 

Bath crayons – These easy-wash crayons are a great distraction for children who don’t enjoy bath or shower time, but do love to get creative. They let your child focus on something more pleasant so bath time is over before they know it. Click here for purchase information.

 

PipSquigz – This silicone suction toy is designed to get your child to notice it rather than their surroundings. They can provide a soothing sensory experience for younger children. Click here to purchase.

 

Shampoo, body wash, and conditioner for autistic children

It’s important to choose cleansing items carefully for your autistic child to eliminate any unwanted smells or textures. Here are a few recommended items for bath or shower time:

 

Nature Clean Kids Shampoo & Body Wash – A two-in-one product that is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, natural, and non-irritating.

 

Suave Sensitive Skin 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash – This product takes care of all 3 bathing necessities in one bottle. It’s also fragrance-free.

 

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance Free Shampoo & Wash – This two-in-one product is also formulated for sensitive skin and senses.