Sleep disturbances are commonplace for those with special needs. According to the Autism Research Institute, autism spectrum sleep disorders occur at a staggering rate of approximately 80%. Unfortunately, nightly routines are often extra challenging for these children, which can further delay crucial sleep developmental milestones. With the aid of behavior modification techniques, often parents can tackle the obstacles that come with napping, sleeping through the night, and/or transitioning from the crib to bed. SleepBuddy Complete Sleep System is an all-new tool that can bring aid to struggling families in the special needs community.
** I am an Amazon Influencer and may receive a comission for items ordered through the below link. I received a SleepBuddy Complete Sleep System and a fee for this review. All opinions are my own. This product will be donated to a school for preschoolers with special needs.
My son didn’t sleep through the night until he was three-years-old. That’s over 1,100 nights!! You can imagine the ramifications of years of sleep deprivation for myself, my husband, and especially my young son with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Not only do simple every day activities become grueling, but childhood development can become further complicated.
Autism Spectrum Sleep Disorders
Research has shown that a balanced circadian rhythm is essential for healthy serotonin and dopamine production, which is necessary for memory and language learning. Healing and growing can be impacted. Since my son did not develop language until well after the age of three, his comprehension of the nighttime schedule was a constant struggle. We relied on crude vision boards (this was before internet days!) that would serve as “cue cards” for bath, pajamas, brush teeth, bedtime story, goodnight kiss, and lights out. And that last part was always the most challenging. Therefore, the concept of supplementing this routine with a new, child-friendly approach was very intriguing.
SleepBuddy Complete Sleep System
By using a customizable timed light that turns on when it’s time to sleep, and off when naptime is over, children ages 18-months to four-years-old receive visual feedback for when they can leave the bed. Older nonverbal children and adults might also benefit from this product. As per Autism Speaks, making each child’s bedtime/naptime routine as predictable as possible will aid good sleep habits. The SleepBuddy Complete Sleep System (a $69.99 value) includes:
- Interchangeable Light (blue or amber)
- Children’s Book
- Rewards Chart
- Parent’s Guide
Set-up is simple. You can choose when and exactly how long your child’s nap or bedtime should last. The system comes with a perfect bedtime storybook and stickers for positive reinforcement. You can select an appropriate reward and keep a picture of it on hand for further visual reinforcement.
Special needs children have higher levels of sleep disturbances. Autism spectrum sleep disorders can be particularly challenging. SleepBuddy Complete Sleep System creates both a strategically positive sleep environment and a regimented sleep/wake schedule that can become an important part of your special sleep solutions.
My YouTube review:
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