Up to 80% of autistic children and young people experience sleep difficulties. This can have wide-ranging, negative effects for children and families. The good news is that with effective strategies, sleep challenges can be overcome.
At Sleep Insight, we understand the unique factors that can affect sleep for autistic children. We provide step-by-step, evidence-based solutions for improved sleep, tailored to the specific needs of your child and family.
Together, happier, healthier sleep and wellbeing is in sight!
PhD, PGDipChFamPsych, PGDipSc
PhD
We use evidence-based strategies to improve sleep for autistic children and young people throughout New Zealand.
We address various sleep problems including difficulty with:
We worked with Jolene at Sleep Insight for our son and she was absolutely amazing. Before starting he was waking during the night and struggling to settle. He required us to sit outside his door at bedtime and would call out multiple times to check we were still there. Most nights we were either co-sleeping in his bed or on the floor next to him. It was exhausting and taking a toll on the whole family. Jolene’s approach was clear, supportive and tailored to our needs. Thanks to her guidance he is now sleeping through the night. The change has made such a difference not just for him but for us as parents too. We are so grateful for her help and would highly recommend the Sleep Insight to any family struggling with sleep.
– K & A
“We approached Jolene at sleep insight to help us with our 12 year old son who is Neuro-diverse. He had been waking during the night and after a struggle of trying to keep him in his bed, he would end up in ours. This had been happening for years, and it was exhausting we were at our wits end. Until we met Jolene, she truly saved us! Her confidence in knowing what she could do to support us was a blessing. She had a clear plan and those words we have always wanted to hear “ we can change this, it just needs consistency” . What she said all made sense and look at us now – I never thought I could get Cade back to sleep and knowing what to do has made the world of difference. Knowing she is right there if I need support and having someone to turn to has changed our lives!! Thank you we are truly grateful for the gift of sleep “
– Liz and Chris Pook
“We approached Jolene for help with our son’s sleep. He was waking multiple times a night for various reasons. She gave us a clear sleep plan to follow and the results have been breath taking. He is sleeping through the night now and doesn’t need anyone to sit with him. She is a wealth of knowledge and I have learnt so much about sleep and different approaches from her. I cannot recommend Jolene highly enough! Get touch if you’re struggling with your child’s sleep. Thank you so much. You have changed our lives so much!”
– Selena, mother of 7-year-old Rylan
“Jolene has really helped our family with our 4yo son sleep. He went from waking up every night, sometimes for hours to sleeping through the night most nights and minimal wake times. Jolene gave a solid plan with a gentle approach that we could follow to develop his sleeping skills. We liked her evidence-based approach and realistic expectations. Thank you.”
– Relieved mum and dad
“Since having a sleep plan from Sleep Insight, the change in my daughter’s sleep and overall mood since following the advice has been absolutely incredible. I learnt so much about sleep types and so many tips and tricks to help around sleep time. I highly recommend getting touch if you’re struggling with your child’s sleep. Thank you so much, you have honestly changed my life for the better!”
– Happy parent
“We reached out to Jolene for help after our 12-year-old daughter had been struggling with sleep anxiety for well over a year and a half. As parents, we felt like we had tried everything – different routines, different reassurance strategies, co-sleeping, sleeping in the room next door – but nothing seemed to create lasting change. By the time we contacted Jolene, we were exhausted and unsure what else to do. From the first session, Jolene immediately put us at ease. She took the time to really listen to the long history of our daughter’s sleep challenges, asked thoughtful questions, and genuinely understood the emotional toll it had taken on all of us. In the follow-up session, she provided a clear, structured plan that finally made sense to us – simple adjustments, delivered with confidence and empathy, that helped our daughter feel understood rather than overwhelmed. Jolene explained anxiety in a way our daughter could relate to, and helped her feel more in control at bedtime. Changes like extending bedtime slightly, re-framing parts of our routine, and keeping the bed only for sleep were small on paper but made a remarkable difference in practice. The consistency and clarity of Jolene’s approach gave all of us a sense of direction that we had been missing. What also stood out was that the support didn’t end with the sessions. Jolene answered a couple of follow-up questions promptly and thoughtfully, which reassured us that we weren’t on our own. Although she made it clear that additional sessions were always available, the plan she provided was so effective that we haven’t needed any further help. Our daughter is now settling to sleep independently and calmly – something that felt impossible not long ago. We are incredibly grateful for Jolene’s guidance and would wholeheartedly recommend her to any family navigating similar challenges.”
– Father of 12-year-old girl
After more than 10 years of disrupted sleep due to our daughter struggling to fall and stay asleep, we felt like we had tried everything — medication, alternative remedies, weighted blankets, music therapy, you name it — with little to no success. Then we met Jolene. After just two sessions, everything changed. She helped us implement a simple but effective wake-up routine that completely transformed our daughter’s sleep. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without her guidance and expertise. We only wish we had found her years ago — it would have saved us countless sleepless nights and dark circles! Jolene’s advice has been life-changing, and we couldn’t recommend her more highly.
– Mother & father of 10-year-old autistic girl
Jolene used her experience, patience and insight to help us navigate insomnia with our 11-year-old. With some simple, sensible planning, she helped our whole family find a routine and rhythm that supports our daughter as she finds her way back to sleep. What we appreciated most, beyond her expertise, was how present she stayed — checking in, answering questions, and supporting us well beyond the initial plan while we put things into practice. At a time when we really needed it, Jolene has been calm, responsive and reassuring. She’s a genuine superstar when it comes to children’s sleep.
– Parents of 11-year-old
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