Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
11:50
EEG Mu Rhythm in Typical and Atypical Development
Published on: April 9, 2014
Sleep patterns in preschool-age children with autism, developmental delay, and typical development
Beth L Goodlin-Jones1, Karen Tang, Jingyi Liu
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis MIND Institute, USA.
Summary
Children with autism (AUT) and developmental delay (DD) show distinct sleep disturbances compared to typically developing children. Objective measures reveal differences in sleep patterns and duration, highlighting sleep issues in these groups.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric sleep science
Background:
- Disturbed sleep is a common, yet understudied, noncore symptom in autistic disorder.
- Understanding sleep patterns in children with autism spectrum disorder (AUT) and developmental delay (DD) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively assess and compare sleep quantity and quality in preschool children with AUT, DD, and typical development.
- To compare parent perceptions of sleep problems with objective actigraphy data.
Main Methods:
- A multimethod approach using parent reports, questionnaires, and actigraphy over one week.
- Inclusion of 194 children: 68 with AUT, 57 with DD, and 69 typically developing.
- Comparison of parent-defined sleep problems with research diagnostic criteria for behavioral insomnia from actigraphy.
Main Results:
- Children with DD had more frequent and longer awakenings post-sleep onset compared to other groups.
- Children with AUT exhibited less total 24-hour sleep time than the other groups.
- Parental reports of sleep problems did not align with objective insomnia criteria but were linked to increased stress.
Conclusions:
- Objective evidence confirms distinct sleep patterns in preschool children across AUT, DD, and typical development categories.
- Sleep durations in all groups were below recommended levels for preschoolers.
- Further research into sleep disturbances in neurodevelopmental disorders is warranted.
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.
01:15REM 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...
01:18Nightmares 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...
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
01:22Stages of Sleep
Sleep progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological responses ranging from wakefulness to stages of non-rapid eye movement, known as non-REM, to rapid eye movement, referred to as REM. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing how sleep supports various bodily and cognitive functions.
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...