Achieving excellence in ABA sleep programming.

Sleep problems affect 40-80% of autistic learners, resulting in decreased short-term memory, slower rates of learning, increased impulsivity, and increased maladaptive behaviors. Ready Set Sleep empowers BCBAs to provide effective, ethical, and compassionate behavioral sleep treatments tailored for the autism community.

Ways to Work with Emily

Online Courses

Continuing Education for BCBAs and Professionals Worldwide; earn CEUs or simply enhance your skills.

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Get Certified

Become a Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist. The Sleep Collective is the only sleep certification program for BCBAs.

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Speaking

Enhance your professional conference or community event with accessible sleep education for every audience.

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The Sleep Collective

The Sleep Collective is a 5-week intensive learning opportunity where you will be fully trained as a Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist, and is the only sleep certification program for BCBAs. With 12 sleep-specific, ACE approved CEUs and 10 hours of direct coaching, you will be certified to treat the non-medical sleep problems of learners over 1 year of age. The systems you will implement are backed by sleep research and the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Ongoing certification is dependent on your good-standing with the governing board overseeing your certification as a behavior analyst (this entity may differ across countries).

A Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist must display competence in the following areas:

  • Analyzing sleep-specific behaviors to isolate the core problems impacting healthy sleep

  • Developing sleep plans informed by the science of sleep, and individualized using the science of Applied Behavior Analysis

  • Ruling-out medical concerns

  • Providing caregiver support that promotes sustainability and independence

  • Applying specific considerations for treating sleep in the Autism population

Online Courses

Bedtime Routines & ASD

Sleep-Pro Bundle

Beating BCBA Burnout

Sleep & Wellness

  • I was searching for a comprehensive course which would provide me with an immediately applicable skill set to address this issue. Luckily, I came across an interview given by Emily on the Behavior Observations podcast. She discussed her approach to sleep issues with both ethical and developmental considerations. I decided to sign up for the Ready Set Sleep course which was even better than I hoped. The combination of live, virtual consultation both individual and group, plus many hours of detailed webinar information on assessment and treatment provided an incredible amount of training... BCBA's have a unique skill set that can really impact sleep difficulties for the children and families we work with. I HIGHLY recommend this course. Not only is Emily incredibly knowledgeable, but she is lots of fun to learn from.

    Donna Morrison BCBA, LBA Early Start Denver Model Certified Trainer, Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist

  • I reached out to Emily Varon at Ready Set Sleep to learn more about her collective and was blown away with her enthusiasm for all things sleep related, it was clear that she loves what she does and that I would be able to learn so much from her. I was not disappointed. The information that I learned from her collective has allowed me to enhance my clinical skills, has provided me with a better understanding of the relationship between sleep and problem behaviors, and has improved my support to families.

    Gabrielle Carmody, BCBA, LBA

  • As a board-certified behavior analyst, I hear about sleep struggles frequently from families; from parents asking for advice during meetings, to stating during drop off that it was another "bad night." I had very limited exposure to sleep based interventions and typically referred to other providers when families had sleep needs. The Sleep Collective was career changing for me... The information is presented in a logical manner, the examples and anecdotes provided are easily generalized, and there are ample opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback to build understanding.

    Paige Dotson, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA,
    Clinical Director, Louisiana

  • If you are interested in all things sleep you will not be disappointed by this course. Emily shares so much information in such an accessible way. Her energy and passion for this topic is catching. I am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and a certified sleep consultant and  I still learnt so much from this course. I now feel so ready and excited to get started. The Collective has given me new ideas and knowledge, it's given me a support network and a mentor in Emily which is so valuable. This course is thorough, interesting and inspiring. Thank you Emily for sharing all of your knowledge and experience with us all.

    Emma C., BCBA, Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist
    Sleep Collective Participant
    United Kingdom

  • Our providers left feeling empowered by Emily's knowledgeable and down-to-earth recommendations. She provided practical information that was rooted in theory but also felt realistic and "doable" for our families. Our providers felt they could actually use her recommendations with their patients; she explained sleep hygiene tactics in an easy manner that felt realistic to the families we serve. Emily’s presentation felt child-centered and focused on the family's needs and abilities.

    Dr. Chelsea O'Haire, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
    The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • The most common challenges our clients encounter are bedtime/ falling asleep, multiple wakings, and early wake times. Emily presented her strategies and solutions in clear behavior analytical terms, and her ability to keep the attention of our clinicians for two straight hours was well worth the time. I couldn't be more impressed with her ability to pair each of her slides and strategies with everyday life! Our team is now prepared to reduce cancellations, due to the sleep challenges of our clients, and provide a higher level of service.

    Megan Price, BCBA
    Owner, ABA Enhancement, LLC

  • Prior to Emily’s CEU, I had limited knowledge of sleep health and the degree to which certain factors influenced sleep cycles. The information provided by Emily was nothing short of eye-opening. I am now feeling more confident, educated, and prepared to more effectively support families with their child’s sleep. This is the first time I've had so much information presented in such a clear and concise manner; Emily is such a friendly, engaging, and entertaining instructor. This training was powerful, resulting in more than a few “lightbulb moments!” This was, honestly the most helpful training I've attended in years!

    Neil M., BCBA
    Clinical Director

MEET THE FOUNDER: EMILY VARON, MS, BCBA

Welcome! I’m Emily.

I’ve been connecting the dots between the sciences of sleep, behavior analysis and autism since 2010 with a hyper-focus on disseminating this information to other BCBAs through simple, fun, yet meaningful learning opportunities. The autism community is in a sleep-deprivation crisis, and through effective treatment we can improve the quality of life for our learners and their families. Join me in creating massive change in our field!

Want to see how I can help? Book a free call!

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT YOUR FREE GIFT

Sleep Resource Kit

Your free download includes 4 sleep-focused resources designed to assist BCBA’s and the families they serve.

READ THE LATEST

The Blog

Featured
Sleep Support in ABA: Why the Gap Exists and How We Can Close It
Sleep Support in ABA: Why the Gap Exists and How We Can Close It

When it comes to supporting autistic learners, sleep is one of the most critical—and most overlooked—factors affecting their quality of life. Research shows that over 40% of autistic learners experience problematic sleep, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep. These issues have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the learner but also their families, caregivers, and the effectiveness of ABA interventions.

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Sustainability in Sleep: Why BCBAs Need to Program for the Future of Rest
Sustainability in Sleep: Why BCBAs Need to Program for the Future of Rest

When it comes to sleep, sustainability is a fickle pickle. In most of our work as BCBAs, once a skill is achieved, maintained, and generalized, it has a high likelihood of sticking. Sure, some learned skills may see occasional dips in performance, but it’s rare to see a well-mastered skill “suddenly” vanish. However, sleep doesn’t quite fit that mold.

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The Evolving Bedtime: Why Sleep Strategies Must Grow With Our Learners
The Evolving Bedtime: Why Sleep Strategies Must Grow With Our Learners

One of the most common pieces of advice parents hear is, “Keep a consistent bedtime.” While consistency is important, what often gets left out is that bedtime itself needs to evolve as our learners grow. Holding a 15-year-old to the same bedtime we set when they were five doesn’t take into account their biological changes and their changing sleep needs—and it can actually work against our goals for quality sleep and positive behavior.

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THE READY SET SLEEP MISSION:

To provide excellence in ABA sleep programming.