Kelly-anne Riley-Smith: Autism & Anxiety Sleep Specialist

09/01/2026

It might take time…but it’s worth it (for everyone)!

For years our sleep was non existent, we spoke to doctors, specialists, trialed medications but nothing seemed to work 🥴

Our evenings, as a couple, were gone as we played ‘tag team’ with trying to get our son to settle and actually sleep - the waking in the nights with the “it’s your turn” being muttered, whilst one of us would desperately try to get some sleep; knowing all to well we would need to be up first thing in the morning to do the school run with everyone else.

We had OT involvement and ended up with, what I called an ‘adult cot’, which looked like a cage that he was still able to climb out of. No matter what we tried, nothing seemed to work and we just thought - this is it.

At the age of 7yr he started accessing respite provision at the specialist school he attended - what a changing point this was for all of us, not only due to us being able to get some much needed sleep ourselves but also because he seemed to settle and sleep SO much better there than at home 🤷🏼‍♀️

I couldn’t understand why we had so many problems at home and yet at respite he was so different - no ‘specialist’ bed, yes he would still wake early in the mornings but not during the night. I couldn’t comprehend what was so different or what we were doing so wrong - and, being completely honest with you all, I felt bad that he wouldn’t sleep at home.

I visited his respite bedroom on numerous occasions in the hope that something would click, and we’d get same sleeping patterns at home … and eventually it did!

This was the catalyst that made me totally rethink sleep for my son, the routines, the environment and the day to day activities that made (and continue to make) such a difference - and which led me to becoming a certified autism and anxiety sleep specialist too.

My son now sleeps from about 8/9pm to 7am, no stress, no sleep medication, no specialist bed, just rest and relaxation for all the family. And whilst it’s been a long time coming … my god, it’s worth it!

We now have our evenings back, which I can enjoy with all of my children and my husband, and we are all refreshed and ready to take on the day (whatever different battle that might bring 😂).

If you are ready to get your and your child’s sleep back on track, I have some availability for my 1:1 sleep support - pop me a message or drop a comment below and I’ll send you all the details on how we can work together to make a postive change to the sleep in your home too 🥰

Kelly-anne Riley-Smith x

03/01/2026

It’s been a lovely down time over the Christmas break but I can’t wait to get back to supporting families of autistic children with their sleep!

As we start our 2026 journeys, I’m super excited to be launching my brand new 3 month 1:1 sleep support programme, where I’ll be working closely with families to:

✅ Understand what’s really impacting your child’s sleep

✅ Create a personalised sleep plan that fits your family

✅ Support you step by step as sleep gradually improves

And you won’t be doing this alone, as I’ll be right there with you throughout the journey.

So, if sleep is a struggle in your home and you’d like more details, drop “need sleep” in the comments or drop me a message below and I’ll pop all the information over to you.

AND for the first 10 people … I’ve got a super special offer for you too! ❤️

Here’s to calmer evenings, more rest, and a better night’s sleep for everyone in 2026

Kelly-anne x

01/11/2025

Feeling thankful this National Author’s Day 🥰

Being part of Parenting on a Different Path has been such a special experience - sharing my journey of raising my eldest son, who has complex needs, alongside other incredible families who truly understand what it means to walk this path.

There were so many times I felt alone in those early years, but writing my story reminded me how powerful it is when we share our experiences - the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

If you’ve ever felt unseen or needed a reminder that you’re doing an incredible job (even on the toughest days), this book is for you - and you can get it with the link in the comments 💙

08/10/2025

Did you know…

If your child is over 14 and is registered on their GP's learning disability register, then they are entitled to a free annual health check?

Not only does being on the register tell healthcare staff that they need to adapt their support and care to you and your situation but also the annual health check can help detect any underlying health issues that can easily go unnoticed until they are a real concern.

If your autistic child also has a learning disability, then make sure they are registered with your GP for their annual health check ❤️

06/10/2025

Home educating or raising an autistic child with big ideas and even bigger passions?

You’ve probably seen those special interests light them up - the deep dives, the creativity, the unique way they see the world.

What if those passions could also help them learn real-life skills, build confidence, and even plant the seeds of a future business? 💡

That’s exactly what will be explored in the upcoming masterclass: ‘5 Types of Business Your Child Can Start’ - designed especially for children and their parents who want to nurture their strengths in meaningful, practical ways.

Whether your child loves art, animals, gaming, storytelling, or creating things with their hands, this session will show you how to turn those interests into opportunities for growth and independence.

You’ll also get the option to receive monthly business boxes, filled with hands-on activities, guides, and tools to help your child learn at their own pace and bring their ideas to life.

Sign up to the 🆓 masterclass and let’s turn passion into purpose 💪🏻

The “5 types of businesses your kid could start” masterclass For potentially entrepreneurial kids and parents who are passionate about helping the next generation to understand the endless possibilities that exist for them in the world of business. For potentially entrepreneurial kids and parent...

02/10/2025

Don't let the mess add to the stress!

You know that feeling when you’ve been on the go all day, juggling school runs, therapy appointments, phone calls, work, meal times, meltdowns, and a million little things in between, and you finally (if you’re lucky) sit down… only to look around and see the house in absolute chaos?

The toys, the laundry, the paperwork, the kitchen counters. It’s like the moment you try to breathe, the mess just stares back at you as yet another thing to do. And over time, that daily clutter builds up into an overwhelming weight.

You’re not alone in this. And the good news is... there’s support available!

I'm thrilled to be hosting a f-r-e-e. webinar with award-winning neurodivergent professional declutterer and organiser, Janine McDonald, who has years of experience supporting neurodiverse families.

In this session, Janine will share:

✅Practical, realistic strategies for tackling clutter in a neurodiverse household.

✅Tips for creating systems that actually work for your family (not just Pinterest-perfect solutions that don’t last a week).

✅Simple ways to reduce the daily overwhelm and create more calm in your home.

This isn’t about having a “perfect” house. It’s about making your home work for you, so that when you finally sit down at the end of the day, you can actually rest.

We’d love for you to join us. Because you deserve a home that feels like a safe haven, not another source of stress.

(You can sign up with the link in the comments)

01/10/2025

TOMORROW we have the award winning Janine McDonald joining us to talk all about Decluttering and Organising in Neurodiverse Households!

Make sure that you’ve signed up - as you really aren’t going to want to miss this super 🆓 webinar

29/09/2025

Make sure you are signed up for ToNIGHTs 🆓 webinar ❤️👌🏻

(Link is in comments)

28/09/2025

As part of our support group Autism & Parent Support UK - a SENsational Life Community we have the lovely Alison Bull from Alison Bull SEND Consultancy joining us tomorrow evening to guide us through an introduction to EHCP’s.

If you are navigating the process or think your child needs one, please make sure you have signed up to the 🆓 webinar (link in comments) 👇🏻👌🏻

25/09/2025

If your child has a PDA profile then make sure you’ve signed up for this years Global PDA Summit!

Not only does it bring together over 25 people - all hand picked to share their lived experience, practical strategies, and deep understanding of the neurodivergent world but also every webinar is 🆓 to watch across the summit weekend so you can access insight that truly resonates with you - all in your own time in one supportive, online space.

You can sign up with the link in the commments 🔗 👇🏻

23/09/2025

Trump strikes again - claiming that Tylenol in pregnancy “causes” autism 🤦🏼‍♀️

Here’s the important bit: correlation does not equal causation!

30/08/2025

The countdown to September and school is on!

Back-to-school can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, excitement, nerves, and maybe even a little dread. For our autistic children that transition can be especially overwhelming, which is why I’ve created resources to help make it smoother and calmer.

Back-to-School Prep Pack (link in comments)
✅Parent booklet with practical strategies
✅Fun activity pack for your child
✅Visual countdown chart to ease worries

School Communication Pack (link in comments)
✅Ready-to-use email templates
✅ “All About Me” sheets (support needs, calm plans + more)
✅Year-long communication diary
✅Teacher’s one-page guide on autistic overwhelm & meltdowns

✨ Or grab BOTH (plus access to my full library of resources) when you join Kelly-anne Riley-Smith Subscribers- Parenting Autistic Children 101

Where you’ll also get:

📌Monthly Live Q\&A sessions
📌Bespoke tools & 1:1 advice sessions
📌Webinar recordings (past & future)
📌An exclusive supportive community
📌Discounts on all products and services on the website

Oh, and if you missed it - I was honoured to be named Best Online Resource for Neurodiverse Families 2025 at the UK Enterprise Awards, and there is still a couple of hours for you to grab my guide Helping Reduce Anxiety in Autistic Children, in celebration for just **25p**! 🎁 Use code awardwinning at checkout.

Here’s to a calmer, smoother September 💛

When do your children go back to school?