Autism & Sleep Specialist | Central Ohio

SEA Behavioral Consulting

Sleep challenges are one of the most common struggles for families with autism.

If your child has autism, you already know that sleep isn't simple. Sensory sensitivities, rigid routines, communication challenges, and neurological differences all make sleep more complex.

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Certified Sleep Specialist with extensive autism experience, I create customized sleep strategies that honor your child's unique sensory needs and communication style while helping your whole family get the rest you need.

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Why Autism Makes Sleep Different

Children with autism often experience:

Sensory sensitivities that affect sleep comfort and environment
Difficulty with transitions and changes to routine
Communication challenges that make expressing sleep needs harder
Irregular sleep-wake cycles and melatonin differences
Co-occurring anxiety that intensifies at bedtime
Stimming or repetitive behaviors that interfere with sleep

These aren't behaviors to eliminate—they're part of how your child experiences the world. My approach works with your child's neurology, not against it.

My ADHD Sleep Approach

Neurodiversity-Affirming, Evidence-Based Strategies

I use Applied Behavior Analysis principles combined with a deep understanding of autism to create sleep solutions that respect your child's sensory needs, communication style, and way of processing the world.

What Makes My Approach Different

Autism-Specific Expertise - Understanding of sensory processing, communication differences, and autism neurology
Neurodiversity-Affirming - Strategies that work with your child's autism, not against it
Sensory-First Approach - Addressing sensory barriers to sleep as a foundation
Communication Support - Using visual supports, AAC, and other tools to support understanding
Gradual, Gentle Methods - Respecting your child's need for predictability and slow change
Family-Centered - Solutions that fit your values and your child's unique needs

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Autism Sleep Solutions

Comprehensive Sleep Assessment

Detailed evaluation of your child's sensory profile, communication style, current routines, and autism-specific factors affecting sleep.

Customized Sleep Plan

Evidence-based strategies tailored to your child's autism presentation, including:

Sensory environment optimization (lighting, sound, texture, temperature)
Visual schedules and supports for bedtime routine
Communication tools to support sleep understanding and needs
Strategies for managing anxiety and transitions
Respect for stimming and self-regulation needs
Gradual implementation that honors need for predictability

Ongoing Support & Collaboration

Regular check-ins with adjustments as we learn what works for your child. Collaboration with your child's therapy team if desired.

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Meet Tiffany Marrelli, MS, BCBA, CBSS

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with specialized training in autism and sleep, I help families create sleep solutions that honor their child's neurodiversity.

I've worked with autistic children for over a decade and understand that autism sleep challenges require specialized approaches. As a mom of three, I also understand the exhaustion that comes with sleep deprivation and the desire to help your child while respecting who they are.

Specialized Expertise

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist (CBSS)
Advanced training in Special Needs Sleep Support
Extensive experience with autism spectrum disorders
Understanding of sensory processing and communication differences
Ohio Autism Scholarship accepted

Common Autism Sleep Challenges I Address

Sensory Sensitivities Textures, sounds, lights, and temperatures that don't bother neurotypical children can make sleep impossible for autistic children. I help optimize the sensory environment for sleep.

Rigid Routines & Difficulty with Change Autistic children often need predictability. I create structured approaches that provide consistency while gently expanding flexibility where helpful.

Communication Challenges When children can't easily express their needs, sleep becomes more difficult. I incorporate visual supports, AAC, and other tools to support understanding and communication.

Anxiety & Dysregulation Many autistic children experience heightened anxiety, especially at bedtime. I teach regulation strategies and create environments that support calmness.

Sleep-Wake Cycle Differences Many autistic children have atypical melatonin production and circadian rhythms. I work with these neurological differences rather than fighting them.

Stimming & Self-Regulation Repetitive behaviors often serve important regulation functions. I help families understand and work with these behaviors rather than trying to eliminate them.

The Autism Sleep Process

1. Comprehensive Assessment We'll discuss your child's autism presentation, sensory profile, communication style, current sleep patterns, and what your family has already tried.

2. Sensory & Environment Analysis I'll help you evaluate and optimize your child's sleep environment for their specific sensory needs.

3. Customized Strategy Development I'll create a neurodiversity-affirming plan designed for your child's unique profile, using visual supports and communication tools as needed.

4. Gradual Implementation Change is introduced slowly and predictably, respecting your child's need for routine while building new skills.

5. Ongoing Support & Adjustments Regular check-ins ensure strategies are working and can be adjusted as your child grows and changes.

FAQs

Yes, but it must be autism-specific. Generic sleep training often fails because it doesn't account for sensory needs, communication differences, and neurological factors in autism. My approach is designed specifically for autistic children.
I use Applied Behavior Analysis principles, but my approach is neurodiversity-affirming. The goal is never to make your child "less autistic". It's to address specific sleep challenges while respecting who your child is and how they experience the world.
Absolutely. I have extensive experience with nonverbal and minimally verbal children. I use visual supports, AAC, and other communication tools to support understanding and implementation.
Every autistic child is different. Some families see improvement within 1-2 weeks, while others need 4-6 weeks, especially if we're addressing complex challenges. I provide ongoing support and adjust strategies based on your child's response.

Ready for Better Sleep?

Autism doesn't have to mean endless sleepless nights. With strategies designed specifically for your child's sensory needs, communication style, and way of experiencing the world, better sleep is possible.

Let's develop a neurodiversity-affirming plan that works for your child and your family.