Why Traditional Sleep Advice Fails ADHD & Autistic Children with Michelle Cyril

For neurodivergent families sleep problems are common, but most traditional sleep strategies simply don't work. Today, a paediatric sleep specialist, Michelle Cyril joins me, to explore why sleep can be particularly challenging for autistic and ADHD children, who become adults that struggle with it too. Michelle shares how her own experience led her to combine evidence-based sleep practice with a neuro affirming approach. We explore calming busy brains at bedtime, meeting nighttime sensory needs, demand stacking, bedtime routines, screens, nutrition, and body clocks. Most importantly, we look at ways to make bedtime more predictable, less pressured, and more suited to the individual child. EPISODE REVEALS Identifying a sleep window that works for your child is more useful than following a fixed number, e.g. 8 hours. Compressing your sleep block, so you stay asleep for longer, then, gradually stretching that block out is effective. Bringing joy, laughter, sensory support, and connection into bedtime can help both parent and child become more regulated. Laughter disengages the fight or flight response. Complicated nighttime sleep routines create a sensory nightmare. Simplifying things e.g. showering in the morning, cleaning teeth after eating tea instead of just before bed reduces that burden. Processing the day and planning for tomorrow before bedtime helps to switch the brain off. Screen time is not necessarily a bad thing. But keep screens out of the bedroom. Sleep becomes easier when children learn to recognise tiredness. Consistent wake times and exposure to daylight in the morning helps support the body clock. BEST MOMENTS “Why do so many neurodivergent brains seem to treat bedtime as merely a suggestion, I go to bed and my head hits the pillow, and I'm awake.” “It's about getting into a rhythm rather than a routine.” “Sleep deprivation just ripples and affects so many other things,” “Sometimes just trusting your own instincts as a parent isn't such a bad thing after all.” ABOUT THE GUEST https://familysleepspecialist.co.uk Book a FREE call - https://bit.ly/FREE-Call-MichelleCyril FREE Facebook group - https://bit.ly/NeurodivergentSleepHelp FREE Guide - HELP your autistic and ADHD child switch off their busy brain at bedtime - https://welcome.familysleepspecialist.co.uk/busy-brains-guide RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/