Gentle massage and calming sounds: a new bedtime ritual for autistic kids?

NCT ID NCT06386029

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests a bedtime routine called 'The Power Down' for autistic children aged 6 to 10 who have trouble settling down to sleep. The routine uses gentle massage and calming sounds to help children relax before bed. Caregivers will lead the routine each night for two weeks. The study aims to see if families find the routine practical and acceptable, and whether it helps children fall asleep more easily.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: A bedtime routine called 'The Power Down' that includes gentle massage and calming sounds to help children relax before sleep.
What this could lead to: If this routine proves helpful, it could offer families a simple, drug-free way to ease bedtime struggles for autistic children.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study, so results may not apply to all families. It focuses on whether the routine is practical and acceptable, not yet on how well it improves sleep.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism Parasomnias sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM SLEEP DISTURBANCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

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