Powering Down: A Pilot Study of a Bedtime Manipulation to Support Sleep for Autistic Children
The goal of this pilot intervention study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel bedtime manipulation protocol called The Power Down for autistic youth, ages 6-10. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is the Power Down feasible for caregivers to do each night? 2. Do the families find the Power Down an acceptable intervention to address their child's difficulties settling down to fall asleep?
• Child between the ages of 6 and 10 years old (at least 40%, no more than 60% female)
• Parent-reported autism diagnosis for child
• Parent-reported extended and problematic settling down delay
• Parent-reported sensory over-responsivity (a yes to at least 8 items in the sensory screening section of the checklist)
• Parent willing to participate in nightly routine during the 2 week study
• Located within the Pittsburgh area