Autism and Sleep Problems
Predictability, sensory wind-down and consistent timing do more than any single trick.
Sleep is a routine problem before it is a sleep problem
Most sleep difficulties in autism come from three things: unpredictable evenings, unresolved sensory load, and a body clock that drifts. Fixing them means the same visual steps every night, a wind-down that removes input rather than adds it, and a wake time that never moves. AutismDock gives you a visual bedtime strip, a timer that makes 'ten more minutes' concrete, and a log to see which evenings ended well.
Key benefits
Same steps nightly
Visual bedtime strip.
Sensory wind-down
Remove light, sound, screens.
Concrete time
Silent visual countdown.
Track patterns
See what precedes bad nights.
What's included
- Visual bedtime routine builder.
- Step-by-step photo or pictogram cards.
- Visual timer for each step.
- Calming audio and breathing.
- Sleep and mood logging.
- Shared with the second parent.
- Printable bedtime chart.
- Works offline on tablet.
Frequently asked questions
Why do autistic children sleep less?+
Differences in melatonin timing, higher sensory arousal and anxiety about transitions all contribute.
Should I use melatonin?+
That is a medical decision — ask your paediatrician. Routine and light changes come first either way.
How long until a new routine works?+
Usually two to three weeks of exact consistency.
What about screens?+
Stop screens 60 minutes before bed and replace them with a predictable, low-input activity.
Is the routine builder free?+
Yes, visual routines are available on the free tier.