Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
08:42
A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and typical development: a
Paula Krakowiak1, Beth Goodlin-Jones, Irva Hertz-Picciotto
1Division of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
Journal of Sleep Research
|May 17, 2008
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience more frequent sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep and night waking, compared to typically developing children. Developmental delays (DD) also correlate with sleep issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are common in children, but their prevalence and characteristics may differ across neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Understanding sleep patterns in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for early intervention and improving quality of life for affected children and their families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare parent-reported sleep characteristics in young children (2-5 years) with ASD to those with other developmental delays (DD) and typical development (TD).
- To identify specific sleep problems, such as sleep onset difficulties and night waking, in these groups.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 529 children (303 ASD, 63 DD, 163 TD) aged 3.6 years on average.
- ASD diagnosis confirmed using Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedules (ADOS).
- Sleep history data analyzed using exploratory factor analysis to identify distinct sleep problem factors.
Main Results:
- Children with ASD reported the highest prevalence of frequent sleep problems (53%), followed by children with DD (46%) and TD children (32%).
- Children with ASD exhibited significantly higher scores for night waking and marginally higher scores for sleep onset problems compared to TD children.
- Children with DD had intermediate sleep problem scores between the ASD and TD groups.
Conclusions:
- Young children with ASD experience a higher burden of sleep problems, particularly night waking, compared to typically developing peers.
- Developmental delays are also associated with increased sleep difficulties, suggesting a link between neurodevelopment and sleep regulation.
- Cognitive or adaptive functioning did not appear to influence the severity of sleep problems within the ASD group.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...
Nightmares often...
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.