Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 19, 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

17.2K

Sleep Problems and Their Relationship to Maladaptive Behavior Severity in Psychiatrically Hospitalized Children with

Elise M Sannar1, Tamara Palka2, Carol Beresford3

  • 1Children's Hospital Colorado, 13123 E. 16th Ave., B-130, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. elise.sannar@childrenscolorado.org.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|November 1, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Shorter sleep duration during hospitalization correlated with increased irritability, stereotypy, and hyperactivity in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and behavioral issues. Sleep quality impacts behavior in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Psychiatry

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition often accompanied by behavioral disturbances.
  • Sleep problems are frequently observed in individuals with ASD, potentially exacerbating behavioral challenges.
  • Understanding the interplay between sleep and behavior is crucial for effective interventions in hospitalized youth with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between sleep duration and awakenings with behavioral measures in hospitalized youth diagnosed with ASD and behavioral disturbance.
  • To explore the relationship between sleep patterns and scores on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 106 hospitalized youth with ASD and behavioral disturbance, with stays of at least 10 nights, was studied.
  • Sleep duration and awakenings were objectively recorded by staff observation during hospitalization.
  • Behavioral assessments included Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) scores at admission.

Main Results:

  • Higher admission scores on the ABC-C irritability, stereotypy, and hyperactivity subscales were significantly linked to reduced sleep duration in the final five nights of hospitalization.
  • No significant association was found between the total number of awakenings and ABC-C scores.
  • No significant association was found between total awakenings and ADOS-2 comparison scores.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced sleep duration during hospitalization is associated with increased maladaptive behaviors in youth with ASD and behavioral disturbance.
  • Sleep quality appears to be a significant factor influencing behavioral outcomes in this patient population.
  • Further research into sleep-behavior relationships is vital for developing targeted interventions for hospitalized youth with ASD.

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderBehavior problemsChildren and adolescentsSleep

More Related Videos

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling03:46

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling

Published on: October 11, 2018

11.1K
Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression04:33

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Published on: April 26, 2024

1.6K

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.
1.3K
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....
1.1K
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...
1.9K
Introduction to Psychological Disorders01:19

Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Abnormal behavior, often referred to as mental illness, results from changes in brain function that influence thought patterns, behaviors, and social interactions. Psychologists and psychiatrists typically assess abnormal behavior using three primary criteria: deviance, maladaptation, and personal distress, particularly when these traits persist over long periods.
Deviant Behavior
Deviance in behavior refers to actions or thought patterns that significantly diverge from societal norms or...
1.4K
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
874
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...
550