Chapter Nineteen: Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise - The Triangle for Wellbeing
A balanced approach to sleep, nutrition, and exercise forms a powerful foundation for neurodiverse children’s health and daily functioning

Key Takeaways for Parents/Caregivers

Triangle of Health
Sleep, nutrition, and exercise form an interconnected “triangle of health,” each supporting and amplifying the benefits of the others for children’s development and daily functioning

System Destablization
Adaptive skills include practical, social, and conceptual abilities necessary for independent living.

Impact of Poor Sleep Hygiene
Intelligence is often categorized into conceptual, mechanical, and behavioral domains.

Tracking Sleep and Behaviors/Symptoms
Adaptive skills are divided into conceptual (planning, organization), practical (self-care, safety), and social (relationship-building, emotional regulation).

Brain Regions
Children may excel in academics but struggle with tasks like dressing themselves or making friends.

Brain Function
Brain functions such as attention, organization, and impulse control are crucial for developing adaptive skills.

Metabloic Considerations
Neurodiverse children may have unique profiles—strong in some areas, challenged in others.

Visual Supports
Tools such as mind maps and checklists can help children organize and remember routines

Nutritional Impact
A supportive environment and advocacy are essential for nurturing adaptive skills.

Sensory Integration
Social and emotional regulation are as important as practical skills for independence.

Freeform Activities
Exercise does not need to be structured or intense; creative, enjoyable activities tailored to the child’s interests are most effective

Confidence and Social Skills Boost
True potential is realized by nurturing both intelligence and adaptive skills, preparing children for real-world challenges.
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Recommended Readings
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