Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
09:03

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

Published on: March 27, 2012

46.7K

Sleep in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Margaret C Souders1, Stefanie Zavodny2, Whitney Eriksen2

  • 1University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. souders@email.chop.edu.

Current Psychiatry Reports
|May 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience chronic insomnia. This paper reviews sleep science in ASD and presents a practice pathway for improving sleep through education, behavioral changes, and melatonin.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with chronic insomnia, affecting approximately two-thirds of affected children.
  • Understanding the underlying mechanisms of sleep disturbances in ASD is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of current sleep science in children with ASD.
  • To explore hypotheses regarding the high prevalence of insomnia in this population.
  • To introduce a practical pathway for optimizing sleep in children with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on sleep in ASD.
  • Development of a practice pathway by the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) Sleep Committee based on expert consensus.
  • Presentation of an exemplar case to illustrate the application of the pathway.

Main Results:

  • Strong evidence supports sleep education, environmental modifications, behavioral interventions, and melatonin for improving sleep in children with ASD.
  • The ATN practice pathway offers a structured approach to screening, identification, and treatment of sleep problems.
  • The pathway addresses complex issues like arousal and sensory dysregulation, particularly in co-occurring anxiety.

Conclusions:

  • The developed practice pathway represents a consensus-based best practice for managing sleep issues in ASD.
  • Dissemination of this pathway and further research into sleep problems in ASD are essential next steps.
  • Targeted interventions are needed to address the unique sleep challenges faced by children with ASD.

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderBehavioral interventionBiological rhythmsHyperarousalInsomniaSleep

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
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

17.2K

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.
1.4K
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...
2.1K
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...
612
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...
650
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:
3.1K
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance 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,...
490