Special Needs
Andrew, 11, has a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and had never been a good sleeper. Andrew was staying up late into the night and then falling asleep during the day.
The Problem
We were exhausted and so was Andrew. As a couple we never had any ‘us’ time, each evening was spent trying to persuade Andrew to go to bed. We were working against each other instead of in partnership and the whole situation become unmanageable.

The Solution
We needed to tackle the sleep problem and put some routine in place that Andrew would respond positively to.We found Millpond’s website one night while desperately trying to find something that would work for Andrew. We were reassured to see that they have specialist members of staff who work with families of children with additional needs. We had felt that the sleep problem was all part of the Autism diagnosis, now we know that there are things that can be put in place to help and we are so grateful for the support of the Millpond team.We were worried that because Andrew has Autism Millpond wouldn’t be able to work with us so we were delighted to hear that this wasn’t an issue.
We had a lengthy discussion with the sleep therapist who asked lots of questions to gain a full understanding of how Andrew functions. We found this really important as Andrew has some particular routines and interests that need to be considered before a programme can be implemented.
We kept a sleep diary for a week and completed a questionnaire. Our Millpond sleep therapist was then able to suggest a new bedtime routine schedule for Andrew. A visual timetable was used which he loved as he felt that he still had some control over his bedtime. Pre-bedtime activities changed and although Andrew did not like this at first we were able to offer him alternative activities that interested him so he quickly complied. They key activity to change was falling asleep with the television on.
Sensory cues were added into the bedtime routine for Andrew as his awareness of time is limited. Adding these cues has helped him to understand that bedtime is approaching and to be better prepared to end activities. Progress was excellent and within 2 weeks Andrew was enjoying his new bedtime routine and evenings were transformed from chaos to calm.
We had to make some changes in the bedroom too and the television has now been removed. It wasn’t easy at first but with the support of our sleep therapist we have got there. Andrew is so much happier in himself now and our relationship has improved drastically. Now he has learned to fall asleep without the television on he sleeps through the whole night.
Thanks Millpond, you have helped us so much, we just wish we’d known about your service years ago.
See what families say about us
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This training day has been very positively received by all members of the health visiting team. Staff feel better equipped to assess and provide advice on interventions that are evidence based to support parents. I strongly recommend that all clinical staff attend this extremely valuable training.”
Carol Adams, Clinical Educator Health Visiting. Lewisham NHS Trust -
Within my role as Infant Feeding Specialist – we have a large volume of mothers worried that their child is not sleeping, often equated to feeding concerns – this workshop has provided me with more in-depth strategies to support families with sleep issues. Lots of interesting research to follow-up and incorporate into my practice.”
D Wilson, Infant Feeding Specialist -
The HSE National Programme ‘Nurture’ engaged Millpond to deliver an extensive number of sleep workshop to registered public health nurses in the Republic of Ireland during 2018/19. Millpond provided an excellent professional service. They were open and willing to engagement and adaptation of the UK sleep programme to local needs. Feedback from the workshop participants was excellent. The Millpond trainers were flexible in developing the programme timetable and workshops were delivered over a wide geographical area in a timely and efficient manner.
Virginia Pye, National Lead for Public Health Nursing, HSE -
The landscape around children’s sleep is increasingly expansive and changing. Millpond’s up-to-date training meets the need to adapt to growing trends in child sleep challengers. Fully comprehensive and nurturing in their approach; encompassing all essential holistic and trending aspects in fully supporting a child’s emotional wellbeing to maximising a child’s sleep potential.
Rozanne Hay, UK Representative & Director of Continuing Education for the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants -
I think this on-line course was presented very well, to a high standard.
S Jelley, Community Nursery Nurse, Ceredigion -
I have my Diploma in Children’s Service’s and have worked with wee ones (aged between 12weeks and 3 years) for 15 years, as a Nanny and within centers. Honestly, I think the course was brilliant. I loved it being online; it allowed for a ‘hands-up’ system which I think saves time and the content was so relevant, so much better than expected!
Jane, Nanny, London -
“An excellent training course with informed and sector-leading practitioners who have a wealth of knowledge and relevant experience.”
A Williams, Early Years Pathfinder Staff Development & Training Officer, Flintshire -
Really great to leave with a sense of a Tool Kit to support the children and families I work with.”
T Harold- School Health Nurse and Community Practice Teacher -
“Fantastic training very informative and interesting…really gained a lot of new information and strategies to help families in the future.”
M Cartwright, B5 Child Health Nurse -
I attended the workshop you did at Oakleigh special school. I wanted to say it was wonderful. I learned lots of new things and was impressed by your extensive knowledge about sleep, especially that it was backed up by research. Thank you.”
T Nicholls -
“As part of Mothercare’s community programme, Mandy hosted two 2 sleep workshops for parents. Parents were tremendously keen to attend and to get the best advice about good sleep practices for both babies and young children. Mandy’s sessions met the parent’s needs, resulting in parents feeling more confident and empowered afterwards.
Mothercare's Parenting Consultant, Liz Day
I have no hesitation in recommending Mandy to host a workshop on children’s sleep whether to parents or professionals.
It’s thought provoking, interesting and contains good practical advice that works, so making sleep times easier and less stressful for both the child and the parent.” -
I worked for 15 years making science and medical documentaries for BBC television. In 2011 I created my own digital company; Essential Parent (EP) to support new parents.
Diana Hill, Essential Parent
EP works with the NHS, maternity hospitals, children’s centers and local authorities around the UK.
We chose Mandy Gurney as our sleep expert from many other possible candidates, since she was the only one who combined enormous authority, experience and knowledge, along with common sense and warmth. It’s a very rare combination of qualities and one which has served our parents, midwives and health visitors really well.
We’re enormously proud to be working with her – and we know just how lucky we are!”
Need sleep? …call us today direct on: 020 8444 0040
