Tired parents of children with autism in the UK’s Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire regions have been receiving help in an innovative NHS-funded project to offer sleep support.
The Children’s Sleep Charity, which was set up to help sleep-deprived parents get a better night’s sleep, was funded by the NHS to pilot sleep workshops aimed specifically at children with autism and their families.
Sleep issues
It is estimated that around 40 per cent of children will suffer with sleep issues during their childhood, with the figure rising to 86 per cent for children with additional needs. It is well documented that sleep deprivation can cause a wide range of difficulties, including weakening the immune system, behavioural issues and under achievement in education.
Vicki Dawson, founder of the Children’s Sleep Charity, said: “The charity supports all families to get a better night’s sleep. We have, however, been inundated with requests for support from families of children with autism and are keen to explore ways that we can support them more effectively.
“This pilot project has provided us with the opportunity to consult with families in order to develop a package of support to meet their needs.”
Changes to bedtime routine
Marie Simmons is mum to Kristan, who is six years old and on the autism spectrum. He also has sensory processing difficulties. She received support from The Children’s Sleep Charity after suffering years of sleep deprivation, and said: “Kristan was up for most of the night. I decided to get help and hoped there was a light at the end of what felt a very dark tunnel. I approached The Children’s Sleep Charity and they supported me to make changes to his bedtime routine.”
She continued: “They also supported me through implementing the new programme, especially when I wanted to give up. After a few weeks Kristan started to sleep through the night, his behaviour improved in the day time, and evenings are no longer spent running up and down the stairs. Our lives have changed so much now we can relax at night and get some sleep.”
The Children’s Sleep Charity ran five sleep support workshops for parents. See below for details.
Sleep support workshops for families of children with autism
All workshops were 9.30am to 2.30pm
4th March – Cirencester: Cotswold District Council Office, Trinity Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1PX
7th March – Leominster: St John Ambulance Centre, Unit 6, Leominster Business Plaza, Leominster Enterprise Park, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0LA
9th March – Nr Ross on Wye: Penyard House, Weston-under-Penyard, Herefordshire, HR9 7YH
10th March – Worcester: Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club, Persidwell Park, Droitwich Road, Worcester, WR3 7SN
16th March – Gloucester: Premier Inn Twigworth, Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester, GL2 9PG
To find out more about the service, contact Helen on 07957 422417 or email info@thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk
The charity’s website is www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk
Published: 23 February 2016
