Episode 4: When Bedtime Becomes a Battle: Helping a Child with Autism Find Calm at Night

In this week’s Sleep Stories with The Sleep Fixer, Kerry Davies shares the story of “Bertie” a six-year-old with autism whose bedtime had become a nightly battle lasting up to three hours.

Bertie’s story is one that many families will recognise, the sensory overload, the iPad attachment, the emotional distress, and exhausted parents desperately trying everything.

Kerry gently unpacks what was really happening beneath the surface, and how small, thoughtful changes helped transform Bertie’s nights (and his family’s evenings) from chaos to calm.

You’ll hear how understanding sensory needs, reducing stressors, and respecting a child’s natural sleep rhythm can make all the difference and how “sleep” should never be a fight, but something that happens when the environment feels safe.

✨ Perfect for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting children with autism and sensory sensitivities.

💡 The Challenge:

6-year-old Bertie, with autism and sensory processing differences

Took up to 3 hours to fall asleep each night

Bedtime was stressful for the whole family; emotional outbursts, sensory overload, and confusion around what “should” work

🧠 The Insight:

Bertie’s body clock didn’t match his 7:30 bedtime

Sensory stressors (bath, teeth brushing, transitions) heightened anxiety

Inconsistent strategies created uncertainty and stress for everyone

Parents’ stress levels fed into the bedtime resistance cycle

🌙 The Fix:

Adjusted bedtime from 7:30 → 9:30 PM to match Bertie’s natural rhythm

Separated stressful activities (like bath/teeth) from bedtime routine

Introduced calming transitions — threading activity + gentle music

Used sensory strategies like tucking the quilt across his body

Added a visual “Now & Next” schedule to support predictability

Parents gained peaceful evenings and Bertie began sleeping calmly through the night

💬 Kerry’s Message:

“Remove the stressors away from bedtime. Just because someone says a child should have a bath before bed doesn’t mean it’s right for your child. Follow what feels easier, calmer, and more natural for them.”

🔗 Mentioned Resources:

Free printable sleep diary: www.thesleepfixer.com/resources

7-Day Sleep Reset: www.thesleepfixer.com/7dayreset