Overview

Founded by Professor Harriet Hiscock and a team of researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in 2007, Sleeping Sound originated as an intervention to address sleep challenges in typically developing children who were experiencing sleep problems. Over the past decade, this innovative program has evolved to meet the unique needs of children with ADHD and autism experiencing sleep difficulties. Sleeping Sound Autism was established in 2016 by Professor Nicole Rinehart and Dr Nicole Papadopoulos from the Monash Krongold Clinic (Faculty of Education, Monash University)  in collaboration with researchers from the MCRI, Deakin University, The University of Melbourne and The University of Sydney.

We have conducted the largest randomised control trial of a behavioural sleep intervention for children with autism (NHMRC funding 2016-2020) and are currently conducting a pilot evaluation of the telehealth delivery (philanthropic funding from Jonathan and Simone Wenig). Please see our Impact page for more information.

Now, through our philanthropic partnership with Aspen Pharmacare, we are also taking the Sleeping Sound Autism program from the clinic to the community, through the Sleeping Sound Autism Professional Development Course to upskill health care professionals in delivering this brief intervention for autistic children and their families.