Specialized Sleep Support
Sleep Medicine & Support for Autistic Individuals
Margaret C. Souders, PhD, CRNP, Director of Diagnostics and Developmental Pediatrics at RiseNow Autism Innovations, brings deep expertise in sleep medicine. Her doctoral training specifically focused on sleep disorders in children with autism. With decades of clinical experience and research, Dr. Souders is one of the few providers in the region with this specialized background.
Why Sleep Matters So Much
Good sleep is essential for every child and adult, but it is especially important for autistic individuals. Quality sleep supports brain development, learning, emotional regulation, and overall health. When children with autism do not sleep well, they often experience more difficulty with attention, behavior, sensory processing, and social interaction during the day. Many families report increased meltdowns, irritability, and challenges with daily routines when sleep is poor.
Sleep problems are extremely common in autism; research shows that 60 to 80 percent of children on the spectrum struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. These difficulties can continue into the teenage years and adulthood if not properly addressed.
The Impact on the Whole Family
When a child does not sleep, the entire family feels the effects. Parents often lose hours of sleep themselves, leading to exhaustion, increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. This chronic sleep loss can affect work performance, relationships between partners, and patience with all their children. Siblings may also suffer when the household feels chaotic or when they are awakened during the night.
Healthy sleep for the autistic child often leads to better sleep and lower stress levels for the whole family. Families frequently tell us that improving sleep was one of the most important changes they made — it created a calmer, more positive home environment for everyone.
Our Sleep Support Service
At RiseNow Autism Innovations, we offer practical, individualized sleep counseling and support led by Dr. Margaret Souders. This service goes far beyond general advice. Dr. Souders works directly with families to understand the specific reasons behind their child’s or teen’s sleep difficulties and creates a tailored plan that fits their unique needs.
Our sleep support includes:
- Comprehensive sleep assessment to identify the root causes of sleep problems
- Personalized behavioral sleep strategies and bedtime routines
- Guidance on sensory-friendly sleep environments
- Strategies for managing anxiety or resistance around bedtime
- Education on the safe and appropriate use of melatonin or other sleep supports when needed
- Ongoing follow-up to adjust the plan as the child grows and needs change
Because Dr. Souders combines her expertise in both autism and sleep medicine, she understands how autism-related challenges (such as sensory sensitivities, rigid thinking, or difficulty with transitions) affect sleep. Her approach is always compassionate, practical, and focused on what will work best for your specific family.
This service is available as focused sleep consultations. We also provide strategies for enhancing the sleep of the entire family — helping parents and siblings establish better sleep habits and create a more restful home environment for everyone.
Better sleep is possible. With the right guidance from an expert who truly understands autism, many families see meaningful improvements in their child’s sleep, and in the overall well-being of the entire household.
If sleep challenges are affecting your child or teen with autism, we encourage you to reach out. Dr. Souders and our team are here to help you find practical solutions that bring more restful nights and brighter days.