Free webinar: How to manage sleep problems effectively in people with neurodevelopmental conditions
Sleep problems are highly prevalent in those with neurodevelopmental conditions and poor sleep can affect every aspect of a person’s functioning. It can also have a negative consequence for the whole family.
Sleep disturbance in those with neurodevelopmental conditions is often multifactorial and caused by the interplay of genetic, neurobiological and environmental overlap. This webinar will discuss the prevalence and profile of sleep problems in people with neurodevelopmental conditions. It will also highlight some of the potential causes of sleep problems and opportunities to improve sleep.
Speakers: Caroline Richards and Leeann Stevenson
Date: Thursday 20th March 2025
Time: 1-2pm GMT
Price: Free
Description:
Sleep is a complex developmental process that underpins all waking behaviour and can impact how you feel and function during the day. Getting enough sleep is vital for our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Research has suggested that as much as 86% of children with additional needs have sleep problems. This can include difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, sleeping too much or disturbed episodes that interfere with sleep.
These sleep problems can also place a toll on their parents and caregivers, impacting on relationships and affecting emotional wellbeing.
This webinar will help parents, carers and professionals understand the sleep process and offer some strategies for managing sleep issues.
About the speakers
Leeann Stevenson
Leeann Stevenson is Communications Manager and Trustee of the Smith Magenis Syndrome Foundation UK. Leeann’s dedication has resulted in the Foundation becoming the go-to organisation for information on Smith Magenis syndrome, not only for the United Kingdom, but across the world. Leeann is the mother to three children, William, Teddy and Lily who has a diagnosis of Smith Magenis Syndrome (SMS) which is a rare genetic syndrome associated with severe sleep disruption.
Caroline Richards
Professor Caroline Richards is Professor of Neurodevelopmental Conditions, Clinical Psychologist and researcher at the University of Birmingham. She also leads the programme of sleep and behaviour research at Cerebra Network. The aim of Professor Richards’ research is to reduce negative clinical outcomes for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work with autistic children and children with rare genetic syndromes has thus far focused on reducing self-injury, improving sleep disorders and understanding the impact of premature birth. Her research uses experimental, epidemiological, single case and meta-analytic techniques to delineate risk markers, improve precision in models of mechanism and develop novel, proactive interventions.
About the Host
Alison Bloomer
Alison Bloomer, Online Editor of Learning Disability Today and Managing Editor of Pavilion Health Today, published by Pavilion. Alison is a mum to three children, one of whom has global developmental delay.
Sign up to the webinar here