Introducing Michelle - Family Sleep Specialist

A few months ago, I took some branding photos on the lovely Michelle for her new website. Michelle is a Family Sleep Specialist and specialises in sleep for neurodivergent children and young people. She has helped me many times over the years with my 2 little sleep thieves and especially helpful with my neurodivergent son when the usual sleep advice did not work for him at all. Therefore, I would love to share her with all of you because I know what a great asset her advice is to getting a bit more sleep and your calmer evenings back! And she also as a brand new free workshop happening soon which will be well worth signing up for and we have the details for you below.

I’ve been in your shoes. I’d searched the internet, followed all the standard advice and listened to well-meaning advice. But nothing worked. I felt exhausted, alone, and like I was doing something wrong.

My son was waking and screaming six to eight times every single night for 3 ½ years.  One night, on his 6^th wake up I flew out of bed. I was angry, I felt like I’d only just fallen back to sleep only to be woken up again.  I flung open his door and looked at his bed. He wasn’t there. Instead, he was laying on the floor, a place he’s never been before and his head was just a few inches away from the door I’d just thrown open. I scooped him up, sat on his bed and cried. I knew I’d reached my limit. That night I knew I had to do something different. His sleep wasn’t going to get better on it’s own. I needed to help him (and me). 

As a parent who struggled day and night with the effects of chronic sleep deprivation and now as sleep consultant specialising in neurodivergent children and teens, I understand the deep hope that with time one day it will get better.

Now bedtime in our house doesn’t look the way I once imagined, because I’m raising two children who are autistic, demand avoidant, and have ADHD. I’ve had to rethink everything, including bedtime. I’ve pivoted in ways I never expected and let go of what I thought bedtime "should" be like. But now, bedtime works for all of us, and that’s what matters.

When supporting families I combine my experience with almost 30 years of professional expertise and use strategies that actually work. You’ll get your evenings back to binge Netflix or connect with your partner again.  It means reclaiming your own bed, so you wake up with more energy, patience, and the capacity to support your child and do it all again the next day. Because supporting your child’s sleep isn’t just about them, it’s about you too.

If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged and exhausted… you’re not alone. Whether your child has a suspected or confirmed diagnosis, whether you’re in the UK or elsewhere in the world, I can help you. I shall walk beside you and will be cheering you on every step of the way.

Up to 80% of neurodivergent children struggle with their sleep and I want to ensure that parents who need help know this free event in happening. 

On 30th September at 8PM, I’m hosting a FREE online talk for parents of neurodivergent children who struggle with their sleep. Parents will gain insights they may never have heard before, and will walk away with a practical strategy they can use that very same night  - and the best bit, this masterclass is FREE!

A well-rested neurodivergent child is better able to focus and concentrate, regulate their emotions, and thrive in the classroom—areas that are already challenging for many, and made even harder by sleep deprivation.

In the free masterclass parents will get valuable insights into their child’s sleep that most parents have never heard before and will leave with a really practical strategy they can use that very same night. Getting more sleep will mean parents will have more capacity to support their child the next morning so they have  more patient, shout less and don’t go to work feeling guilty all day.

Event: Free Online Sleep masterclass for parents of neurodivergent children

Host: Michelle Cyril - Specialist in neurodivergent children and teen sleep 

Why sign up?: Whether your child has diagnosis or not you will know all the standard sleep advice does not work for your child, they need something different

Date & Time: 30th September, 8PM (UK time - recording will be available)

Link to sign up: https://welcome.familysleepspecialist.co.uk/masterclass-page