Exercise is good, but not before sleep

Physical activity also influences sleep patterns and quality. A pilot study has found that healthier, more physically active ASD children maintain more consistent sleeping patterns of better quality. Looking into physical activity is particularly relevant because children with ASD, especially as they grow older, may not get as involved with other children in physical games if the games become too complicated and may choose to focus on their academics.

Thus, not getting enough physical activity throughout the day is a potential problem that could make it harder for the child to fall asleep. Physical activity that is too late in the night, however, has the opposite effect. It may result in stimulation and arousal that could prevent the child from sleeping.

Thus, children are encouraged to do physical activity earlier in the day, not in the evening.