Moving severely autistic child into her own bed.

My 4 yo daughter sleeps in with me she is very routine bound. But it's causing problems in my relationship that me and my husband sleep in seperate beds so I have to move her. She also wanders through the night and does dangerous things any tips on how to safely move her into her own bed, with as little stress as possible.

probably as simple as getting a fighting pile of cats into a minature cereal box



I remember that task and wish you well..






Have you got a pet at all..? she'll probably need someone/something to keep her company in her bedroom..
A comfort/favourite toy will work nicely if you don't have a pet..



You can try one of two methods.. depends on your child.. you could try setting a bed up in your room next to yours so that she gets used to sleeping in her own bed but in her usual surroundings..

or you could try getting her to sleep in her own bed by keeping to the old routine as much as possible but in her own room.. if you sleep in the room with her for the first 2-4 nights and then gradually move to the floor next to her bed.. then you'd move to your room but be prepared to take her gently back to bed up to 20-30 times..

The first method will probably be kinder on her.. it's the one i used for my daughter..

you'll still need to pop her back into bed when the bed is taken to her own room.. it will just be less of a shock to gradually ease her out..

also; talk to her and tell her about the change to her bedtime routine.. tell her that it's going to happen and that she can choose a nightlight if she'd like one.. give her a bit of control.. perhaps even a new quilt cover or fresh paint on the walls..

Thank you scepticalblahblah that is a great idea I'll do that.