Check out the full episode with Gabrielle Carmody on YouTube:
SUMMARY
In this eye-opening and practical episode of the All About Kids podcast, we sit down with Gabrielle Carmody, a BCBA and certified sleep specialist, to unpack one of the most overlooked developmental challenges for children on the spectrum: sleep. Gabrielle shares how a case involving twins with complex medical needs inspired her to specialize in behavioral sleep intervention. She breaks down the key components of creating a sustainable bedtime routine, what “setting events” really mean, the emotional toll of poor sleep on families, and the hidden skills, like tolerating separation or relinquishing a favorite activity, that kids need to master to sleep independently. Whether you’re a parent, BCBA, or educator, this episode is full of realistic strategies, encouragement, and relatable stories (including her own bedtime battles at home).
KEY MOMENTS
1. Her Path to Becoming a Sleep Specialist
• A complex case involving twins with medical issues sparked her deep dive into sleep.
• “They were struggling… and if I can’t help them in all aspects, what will their outcome be?”
2. Sleep as a Learned Skill
• Sleep isn’t just biological, it must be taught like any other skill.
• “We teach bike riding, tying shoes… why don’t we teach how to go to sleep?”
3. The All-Day Bedtime Routine
• Good bedtime habits start long before nighttime.
• “The bedtime routine starts by choosing a proper wake time, then working backward.”
4. Cues, Transitions & Toleration Skills
• Kids must learn to tolerate mom stepping away and shift between tasks.
• “You can’t expect a child to Velcro to mom all day and suddenly sleep alone at night.”
5. Signs of Poor Sleep in Kids
• It’s not just yawning; watch for emotional dysregulation, aggression, or zoning out.
• “If you’re dragging your kid out of bed every morning, something’s off.”
6. Common Mistakes Parents Make
• Overstimulating “get the wiggles out” play before bed, and excessive screen time.
• “Roughhousing right before bed just ramps them up.”
7. When Behavior Isn’t Enough
• Sometimes sleep issues point to a deeper medical or medication-based issue.
• “If everything is in place and it’s still not working—there may be something medical going on.”
8. Sleep Hygiene Tips That Actually Work
• Cool, dark environments, structured routines, and reducing electronics.
• “What works for me may not work for your child—know what sensory inputs they need.”
9. Supporting Parents & Realistic Expectations
• Change can take 2 days or several weeks depending on the child’s anxiety and consistency.
• “Start by writing down what’s going well, you’re probably doing more right than you think.”
10. How to Start When You Feel Overwhelmed
• Assess the bedtime routine, build a skill-based plan, and consult support staff.
• “The simplest changes, like consistent structure, often bring the biggest wins.”
TAKEAWAYS
For Parents:
• Sleep is a teachable skill. Don’t give up.
• Your child may need to learn how to tolerate separation, transitions, and calming activities.
• Keep bedtime screens to a minimum and focus on creating an environment tailored to your child’s needs, not yours.
For Clinicians & Educators:
• Consider sleep as a major setting event in behavior analysis.
• Address skill deficits that support bedtime: relinquishing, transitioning, and tolerating boredom.
• Understand that behavior change around sleep starts long before bedtime.
For Everyone:
• Sleep affects more than rest, it touches behavior, learning, and family well-being.
• Sometimes the best place to start is with one small win: 10 minutes of quiet, structured routine.
• Gabrielle’s message: “You can’t expect the brain to shut down if the body’s still in chaos.”
About All About Kids:
AAK, the leading provider of children’s therapeutic and educational skills in New York. Their team of experts offer diagnostic evaluations as well as direct and consultative behavioral intervention services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. After comprehensive assessment, each child has a portfolio or program book designed specifically to meet his or her individualized needs. The quality of our ABA services are closely monitored through program and field supervision as well as ongoing consultation by BCBA’s/BCaBA’s, and Experienced Team Leaders.
Click here for a link to comprehensive educational and support resources. Previous podcast episodes and more information about All About Kids is available here.
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