Autism Bedtime Routine
The same steps, in the same order, every night — shown as pictures instead of repeated instructions.
Predictability is the sleep intervention
Sleep difficulties are extremely common in autism, and the most reliable lever is not a supplement but an unchanging visual sequence. Six to eight steps, always in the same order, with a timer for the wind-down. Pictures remove the nightly negotiation and let the child see exactly how much is left before bed. AutismDock builds the chart, speaks each step aloud, and tracks how the routine correlates with sleep over weeks.
Key benefits
Same steps nightly
No negotiation needed.
Wind-down timer
Visible time remaining.
Calming input
Dim, heavy, slow.
Sleep tracking
See what actually changes.
What's included
- Visual bedtime routine builder.
- Voice-read steps.
- Visual countdown timer.
- Calming audio and breathing.
- Printable bedtime chart.
- Sleep and mood logging.
- Reminders on phone or tablet.
- Free to start.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps should a bedtime routine have?+
Six to eight is typical. Fewer for young children; keep the order identical every night.
How long before bed should it start?+
Usually 30 to 45 minutes, with screens ending at the start of the sequence.
What if the routine gets refused?+
Add a choice within the routine — which pyjamas, which book — so control exists inside the structure.
Does it work for teens?+
Yes, with a text or photo checklist rather than cartoon pictograms.
Is it free?+
Yes, routines are free to build and print.