Edited and reviewed:
Dec 26, 2025
SCIENCEWORKS
BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE
Complete Care for all Neurotypes
Therapy | Assessments | Coaching
CBT-I for Insomnia with ADHD and Autism in Tennessee
Neurodivergent-affirming CBT-I for insomnia that respects sensory needs and executive function - delivered via secure telehealth across Tennessee.
If you are a neurodivergent adult or teen in Tennessee, this may be a fit if:
You are exhausted, but bedtime transitions or task-switching make sleep feel impossible.
You deal with bedtime procrastination, circadian drift, or a "second wind" at night.
Sensory triggers (light, sound, temperature, texture) keep waking you up.
Your brain turns on at night with racing thoughts, planning, or hyperfocus.
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Top Statistics Related to neurodivergent sleep care
Stat 1: 46.6%, Tennessee adults reported trouble sleeping (past month). 2017-2018. Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/brfss/TN-BRFSS-Newsletter-Spring-2024.pdf
Stat 2: 26.2%, adults with ADHD met clinical insomnia criteria. 2025. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11814519/
Stat 3: 80%, autistic adolescents and young adults had sleep problems. 2019. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6870566/
Stat 4: 7+ hours, recommended sleep for adults (ages 18-60). 2015. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4434546/
Stat 5: 41%, long-term remission after CBT-I. 2024. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11411900/
Stat 6: 42.7% vs 28.6%, remission with digital CBT-I vs standard treatment. 2020. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6990703/
When neurodivergent sleep care can help
Generic sleep tips can backfire when sensory needs, executive function, and nervous-system activation are part of the picture. CBT-I can be adapted so the plan is realistic, compassionate, and still evidence-based.
You might be in the right place if you are dealing with:
Insomnia that does not respond to sleep hygiene checklists.
Bedtime procrastination or difficulty initiating the bedtime routine, even when you want to sleep.
Sensory-triggered wakefulness (noise, light, heat, fabrics, or touch sensitivity).
Circadian drift or a persistent night-owl rhythm that is hard to shift.
Racing thoughts, mental replay, or late-night planning that keeps you wired.
Burnout-related sleep disruption where rest feels hard even when you are depleted.
Not sure if this matches your sleep story? Reach out and we will help you sort next steps: Contact us.
How neurodivergent sleep care works at ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare
We use CBT-I (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) and adapt it for ADHD, autism, and AuDHD patterns. The goal is steady, meaningful sleep improvement without forcing rigid routines that ignore how your brain and body actually work.
What sessions look like
Map your sleep pattern
We identify what is keeping sleep stuck (cognitive arousal, timing, sensory inputs, transitions, and burnout load).Create an accommodations-first plan
We build a CBT-I structure that fits your sensory profile, energy limits, and executive function.Support circadian rhythm
We choose realistic anchors (light, timing, wind-down cues) to reduce drift and second-wind nights.Practice skills for a busy mind
We use CBT and ACT tools to respond to racing thoughts without getting pulled into late-night problem-solving.Refine with gentle accountability
We track progress in a low-friction way and adjust pacing so the plan stays doable.
You will never be asked to white-knuckle your way through a plan that feels unsafe, overwhelming, or incompatible with your needs. We collaborate, iterate, and keep the focus on what works in real life.
Who We Help in Tennessee
This service is for neurodivergent adults and teens (including late-identified and high-masking folks) who want insomnia treatment that honors sensory needs and executive function realities.
Adults with ADHD, autism, AuDHD, or strong neurodivergent traits who struggle with sleep consistency.
Teens who need structure and coaching that does not turn into power struggles.
People with sensory sensitivities or transition challenges that disrupt bedtime and nighttime settling.
People whose sleep has shifted during burnout, life changes, or increased demand.
ScienceWorks provides secure telehealth to clients physically located in Tennessee. If you prefer lower-friction care from home, telehealth can reduce barriers and keep support consistent.
Why work with ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare for neurodivergent sleep care
Get started with neurodivergent sleep care in Tennessee
If you are ready to feel less stuck at night, reach out here: Contact ScienceWorks.
Reach out
Send a message to share what is happening with your sleep and what you have tried.Meet your provider
We clarify goals, constraints, and accommodations so the plan fits your real life.Start your sleep plan
You will leave with clear next steps, skills for nighttime overwhelm, and a structure you can sustain.
Ready to begin? Schedule a consultation and we will help you take the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Is CBT-I "too rigid" for ADHD or autism?
No. We keep the evidence-based structure, but we adapt the plan for sensory needs, transitions, and executive function so it is realistic and respectful.
Do I have to do a detailed sleep diary?
We use low-friction tracking. Some people prefer brief notes, simple check-ins, or structured prompts that do not become another overwhelming task.
What if I get a second wind or my sleep schedule drifts?
We add circadian rhythm support and choose anchors that fit your life so you can reduce drift without forcing a harsh reset.
Can we work around sensory needs like noise, light, or texture?
Yes. We treat sensory accommodations as part of the plan, not an afterthought, and build routines that help you settle without constant discomfort.
Ready for neurodivergent sleep care in Tennessee?
ScienceWorks Behavioral Health is a specialty practice offering evidence-based therapy in Tennessee. If you are looking for sleep support that is affirming, practical, and tailored to neurodivergent life, contact us to get started.
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Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for mental health diagnosis or treatment. Reading this page does not create a therapist–client relationship with ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare. Services are provided via telehealth to clients located in Tennessee (and other jurisdictions where our clinicians are authorized to practice); if you are outside Tennessee, contact us to confirm availability in your location. If you are in crisis or may be at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call/text 988 (U.S.). Additional emergency support can be found here: Emergency Resources.