Notice what winds down.
Relaxing for one child can be stimulating for another. Watch what helps your child’s body become ready for sleep.
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A softer landing
Wind down.
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MYAUTISMHUB × GUIDING STARS · ROUTINES
A softer landing
for the end of the day.
Build a bedtime that helps your child know what is coming next. Keep the ending calm, short and familiar, while making room for the sensory needs that are unique to your child.
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TONIGHT’S PLAN
Wind down.
Feel ready.
Goodnight.
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The routine can be short. It only needs to make sense to your child.
🌙Keep the last part of the evening predictable.One calm cue. One familiar ending.
Show what comes next.
Use the same pictures, objects or words for the same activities so the routine is easier to recognise.
Make the ending small.
Choose a short, repeatable final sequence rather than adding “just one more” activity when sleep is difficult.
YOUR EVENING PATH
From evening to sleep.
Tap each picture when it is finished.
Move at your child’s pace.
0 of 8 steps finished
This is an example, not a rule. Remove steps, change the order, or use real photographs of your child’s own pyjamas, bathroom and bed.
MAKE IT YOURS
The best routine is one your child can recognise.
Start with the smallest sequence that helps. Keep the same cue for bedtime and the same ending where possible. If a bath makes your child more alert, move it earlier. If stories are exciting, choose a quieter ending.
A QUICK CHECK
NOTICE THE FRICTION
Change the setting before adding pressure.
Sleep is affected by many things. Look for patterns with curiosity.
Light
Try softer or dimmer light if bright light makes settling harder.
Sound
Reduce competing noise or offer a familiar background sound if helpful.
Body
Notice temperature, bedding, clothing, movement and physical discomfort.
Change
Show changes in the visual plan and use a familiar phrase for “tonight is different.”
IF SLEEP STAYS HARD
Track patterns, then ask for support.
A simple sleep diary can help you notice bedtime, waking, discomfort, daytime sleep and changes in the environment. If sleep problems persist or there is loud snoring, choking or pauses in breathing, speak with a healthcare professional.
Bring your observations to the right conversation.
A health professional can help explore physical causes. An occupational therapist can help with sensory and daily-living participation. A speech and language therapist can help make the visual routine match your child’s communication.
Explore support pathways ↗WHY THESE IDEAS ARE HERE
Evidence-informed, child-specific.
This guide adapts guidance on visual schedules, predictable routines, sensory environments, sleep assessment and individualized support. It is educational and does not diagnose, treat or replace professional advice.