Priya Singh Priya Singh Asked 4 months ago

How long do autistoc 5 year olds sleep?

My nephew is 5 years old and was recently diagnosed with autism. We are trying to understand his sleep patterns better. How much sleep do autistic 5-year-olds typically need?

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8 answers

Meena Prakash Meena Prakash Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago
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My son, who is also autistic, struggles with sleep sometimes. At 5, he usually gets around 8-9 hours, which is less than what typically developing kids might get. We focus on a very strict bedtime routine and a dark, quiet room. It's a constant effort, but consistency helps.

Vikas Agarwal Vikas Agarwal Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Oh man, sleep for kids, especially autistic ones, is like a secret code, no? Every kid's sleep 'app' runs differently. My friend's autistic son is a night owl, so his parents have become one too! Seriously though, it's very individual.

Arjun Malhotra Arjun Malhotra Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

While my experience is not with autism, I can relate to sleep struggles. For 5-year-olds in general, 10-13 hours is recommended. But for autistic children, sleep patterns can be very different. My cousin's son, who has autism, sleeps less but has specific calming routines before bed.

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Consult a internal medicine specialist

Sneha Reddy Sneha Reddy Joined May 2026 4 months ago

Oh yaar, I know sleep can be a big concern for parents of autistic kids. Don't stress too much comparing. Just focus on what works for your child. A friend's kid needed less sleep, another needed more. It's all about finding their rhythm.

Rajesh Kumar Rajesh Kumar Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

I can't comment on autism specifically, but I know how important a routine is for managing my diabetes. For children, especially those with special needs, a consistent sleep schedule must be very helpful. Every child is different, so working with specialists is vital.

Priya Singh Priya Singh Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

This is a specialized area. Please do not rely on generalized advice from the internet for children with autism. You absolutely need to consult your pediatrician or a developmental specialist. They can offer tailored strategies and rule out any underlying medical causes for sleep issues.

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Neha Gupta Neha Gupta Joined May 2026 4 months ago

My paediatrician mentioned that sleep issues are common in children with autism. While typically 5-year-olds need 10-13 hours, autistic children often have shorter sleep durations, difficulty falling asleep, or frequent awakenings. They sometimes suggest melatonin or behavioral strategies, but always under medical guidance.

Smita Joshi Smita Joshi Joined May 2026 4 months ago

Honestly, I wish I knew! My neighbor has an autistic 5-year-old and she says some nights he sleeps great, some nights it's a battle. So, it's not a fixed number, I guess. As a perpetually sleep-deprived person myself, I just hope you get some rest!

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