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Sleep problems as possible predictors of intensified symptoms of autism

Kimberly A Schreck1, James A Mulick, Angela F Smith

  • 1Psychology Program, Penn State University-Harrisburg, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057, USA. kas24@psu.edu

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|January 22, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may worsen symptoms and impact intervention effectiveness. Fewer sleep hours correlate with higher autism scores and social deficits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aim to improve prognosis.
  • Understanding factors influencing intervention effectiveness is crucial.
  • Sleep problems are common in children with ASD and may exacerbate core symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the preliminary relationship between sleep problems and autism symptom severity.
  • To identify specific sleep disturbances that may influence behavioral outcomes in children with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of a parent-report database of sleep problems in 55 children with ASD (ages 5-12).
  • Analysis of correlations between sleep variables (e.g., sleep duration, night screaming, environmental sensitivity) and autism characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Fewer sleep hours predicted higher overall autism scores and social skills deficits.
  • Reduced sleep and night screaming predicted stereotypic behaviors.
  • Increased sensitivity to bedroom stimuli and night screaming predicted communication problems.
  • Bedroom sensitivity also predicted fewer developmental sequence disturbances.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep problems appear related to the diagnostic characteristics of autism spectrum disorder.
  • Specific sleep issues may exacerbate ASD symptoms, affecting intervention outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise relationship between sleep and ASD.

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