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Behavioural treatment to reduce sleep problems in children with autism or fragile X syndrome

Sophie Weiskop1, Amanda Richdale, Jan Matthews

  • 1Psychology and Disability Studies, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia.

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|February 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study shows a parent training program effectively reduced sleep problems in children with autism and fragile X syndrome (FXS). The behavioral approach led to significant improvements in settling, night waking, and co-sleeping.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Behavioral Interventions

Background:

  • Limited research exists on well-controlled sleep interventions for children with developmental disabilities.
  • Sleep disturbances are common in children with autism spectrum disorder and fragile X syndrome (FXS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate a parent training program utilizing behavioral principles to decrease sleep problems in children with autism or FXS.
  • To assess the efficacy and social validity of the parent training intervention.

Main Methods:

  • A multiple baseline across-participant design was employed to demonstrate program efficacy.
  • The intervention included components such as bedtime routines, reinforcement, effective instructions, partner support, and extinction.
  • Social validity and clinical significance of the outcomes were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Ten families completed the intervention, with most parents achieving their goals.
  • Visual analysis of sleep data indicated significant improvements in settling problems, night waking, and co-sleeping.
  • The intervention demonstrated high social validity and clinically significant, maintained outcomes at follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • The parent training program is an effective intervention for reducing sleep problems in children with autism and FXS.
  • The behavioral approach is a viable and socially valid method for improving pediatric sleep in developmental disabilities.
  • The positive outcomes were maintained over time, suggesting long-term benefits.

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