Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

Sleep disruption as a correlate to cognitive and adaptive behavior problems in autism spectrum disorders

Matthew A Taylor1, Kimberly A Schreck, James A Mulick

  • 1The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Developmental Assessment Program, 187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081, USA. mat5386@psu.edu

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|April 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Sleep duration impacts cognitive and adaptive skills in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and PDD-NOS. Shorter sleep is linked to lower intelligence, adaptive functioning, and developmental skills.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Sleep problems are common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
  • The impact of these sleep issues on daytime functioning remains less understood.
  • Autism and PDD-NOS affect cognitive and adaptive behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between sleep problems and cognitive/adaptive performance in children with ASD/PDD-NOS.
  • To assess how sleep duration and disturbances correlate with intelligence and adaptive behaviors.
  • To identify specific sleep issues linked to particular daytime deficits.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Behavioral Evaluation of Disorders of Sleep (BEDS) scale.
  • Assessed 335 children aged 1-10 years diagnosed with autism or PDD-NOS.
  • Correlated BEDS scores with measures of intelligence and adaptive behavior.

Main Results:

  • Fewer hours of sleep correlated with lower intelligence, verbal skills, adaptive functioning, daily living, socialization, and motor development.
  • Nighttime awakenings alongside reduced sleep duration were associated with communication problems.
  • Breathing-related sleep issues and shorter sleep duration were linked to perceptual task difficulties.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep quality, particularly duration, may significantly affect daytime cognitive and adaptive functioning in children with ASD/PDD-NOS.
  • Specific sleep problems correlate with distinct areas of daytime impairment.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex relationships.

More Related Videos

Paradigms for Behavioral Assessment in Drosophila Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder08:30

Paradigms for Behavioral Assessment in Drosophila Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: September 6, 2024

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism 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.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM 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...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation02:19

Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation

The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent years,...
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-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.