Description
One of the central characteristics of autism, confirmed from clinical experience and research, is a difficulty achieving an age-appropriate sleep cycle. As clinicians we frequently explore an autistic individual’s ability to fall asleep and factors that disrupt the duration, depth, and quality of sleep. We recognise that a good night’s sleep is extremely valuable in encouraging concentration and emotion regulation for the following day.
We now have effective strategies to improve an autistic person’s sleep and resolve issues such as an autistic child sleeping with a parent, which can be disruptive for the whole family.
We will cover:
- The function of sleep
- The expected sleep cycle and stages of sleep throughout the life span
- Research and clinical experience on sleep issues associated with autism
- Aspects of autism that affect sleep such as sensory sensitivity, anxiety, melatonin metabolism
- Sleep education programmes
- Behavioral interventions for sleep
- Sleep advice from autistic adolescents
Webcast Process: The webcast includes didactic teaching and Q&A. Participants attend via link to a live presentation. They have access to a chat room where they can ask questions at any time. There is opportunity to learn from workshop participants, as well as the trainers.
Event Trailer.
About the speakers
Prof Tony Attwood PhD With a career spanning five decades, Professor Tony Attwood is considered to be one of the world’s foremost experts on Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has Honour’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hull, a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Surrey and a PhD from the University of London. He is currently an adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland. Tony has written many publications on Asperger’s Syndrome. His original book, titled Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals was published in 1998 and has been translated into over 25 languages.
Tony operates a diagnostic and psychological support clinic two days a week for children and adults. He also spends considerable time travelling nationally and internationally to present workshops and seminars.
Dr Michelle Garnett PhD is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in autism for nearly three decades. Her peer-reviewed research has informed understanding of early detection, the female profile and the importance of good mental health for autistic individuals. She has co-authored six highly regarded books on autism, five with Prof Tony Attwood. Her 2018 book with Barb Cook is a seminal work on the female presentation, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism. Her most recent books Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum and Ten Steps to Reducing Your Child Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum provide guidance to parents of young children on the autism spectrum. She regularly provides training to four Australian Universities.
