Rest Assured: Therapy Strategies to Support Pediatric Sleep

Sleep is a foundational skill critical to childhood development, yet it is frequently disrupted, especially in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Sleep supports memory consolidation, motor skill development, and expressive and receptive language, among other roles. Despite its importance, many clinicians feel uncertain about how to effectively address sleep in clinical practice. This interactive session will explore the prevalence and impact of pediatric sleep disorders, with a focus on common breakdowns in sleep latency, duration, and restfulness. Participants will examine current evidence on the biological, sensory, and behavioral factors that influence sleep, and learn how to apply interventions supported by research.
Drawing from a range of evidence-informed approaches, the session will highlight strategies including exercise-based interventions, structured bedtime routines, sensory supports, communication tools, and caregiver coaching.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of common pediatric sleep disorders, including factors that affect sleep latency, duration, and restfulness.
2. Analyze the biological, sensory, and behavioral factors that influence sleep in children.
3. Select evidence-based sleep interventions, including bedtime routines, sensory strategies, caregiver coaching, communication tools, and exercise-based approaches.

This course meets the requirement for Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.