Focus May. 2016 | Page 17

Sleep services for children with disabilities SLEEP disturbance is common for children and young people with developmental disabilities. This can include school staff, therapists and health professionals. Sleep problems include avoiding bedtime, difficulty falling asleep, frequent night waking, early morning waking or daytime sleepiness. These can have an impact on a child’s learning, emotional wellbeing, behaviour and development, as well as their ability to participate in daily activities and family life. Sleep services include comprehensive sleep assessments and individualised sleep plans. These services can be brief or intensive, depending on the complexity of a child’s needs. Child and Youth Services (CYS) has a specialist sleep consultant and experienced therapists who offer advice and intervention for children’s sleep difficulties. CYS offers home and community based services and works in partnership with families and those involved in the child’s care. Families receiving support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can obtain sleep services through CYS. Older children who are not yet supported through th H