Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 5, 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

17.3K

Counting Sheep: Sleep Disorders in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Shoshana Herrmann

    Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
    |August 27, 2015
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) frequently experience sleep disorders, impacting behavior. Primary care providers play a crucial role in assessing and managing these conditions, with melatonin showing promise as a treatment.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Sleep Medicine

    Background:

    • Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) exhibit a high prevalence of sleep disturbances.
    • Sleep disorders in this population are linked to various risk factors and can negatively affect behavior and development.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the prevalence, types, risk factors, and impact of sleep disorders in children with ASDs.
    • To highlight the essential role of primary care providers (PCPs) in managing these conditions.

    Main Methods:

    • A comprehensive review of existing literature on sleep disorders in children with ASDs was conducted.

    Main Results:

    • Children with ASDs are prone to chronic sleep disorders that adversely affect behavior.
    • Behavioral and pharmacological interventions are available, with melatonin demonstrating significant efficacy.

    Conclusions:

    • PCPs are integral to the care of children with ASDs and must be equipped to diagnose and manage sleep disorders.
    • Prompt assessment and appropriate management of sleep disorders are vital for improving outcomes in children with ASDs.
    Abstract

    Keywords:
    Autism spectrum disorderinsomniamelatoninsleep

    More Related Videos

    A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research08:42

    A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research

    Published on: July 31, 2017

    8.9K
    Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism09:03

    Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

    Published on: March 27, 2012

    46.8K

    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.
    1.8K
    Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

    Nightmares 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...
    829
    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...
    2.5K
    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...
    715
    Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

    Sleep-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:
    3.3K
    Narcolepsy01:07

    Narcolepsy

    Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
    774