Autism and your child or young person's health
Help your child or young person's sleep
Autistic children and young people can often have trouble sleeping. There are a range of reasons for this, which include:
- difficulties relaxing or winding down from a busy day
- decompressing from masking
- desensitizing from sensory overload experiences
- irregular melatonin levels.
Visit the National Autistic Society to read more about autism and sleep. Or, watch this helpful video from North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) for more top tips.
Tics and Tourette's Syndrome
Tics are common in childhood. They often appear at around age 5 or can start in adulthood. They are 3 to 4 times more common in boys than in girls.
They are not usually serious, but can be frustrating to the child or young person with them. Learn more about Tics and Tourette's Syndrome. Or watch a BBC video from Grace, Rupert and Connor, who explains what tics is to them.
Periods (menstruating)
Autistic young people often need more time to understand and prepare for changes. Especially dealing with the physical and emotional changes of menstruation.
By helping them to understand how to manage their periods, you will give them the skills they need. These skills make them independent, confident, and resilient.
Want to know more? Read this helpful guide. It gives tips and advice from parents, carers, and autistic young people. Created the Parent Carer Voice group. Alongside iThrive and our Participation Team.
Email talkaboutMH@kent.gov.uk to contact Parent Carer Voice or to join one of our meetings.