Sleep Dysfunction and Behavioral Daytime Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Pediatric Sleep Medicine
• Behavioral Psychology

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
• Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in children with ASD, but their specific nature and association with daytime behaviors require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare parent-reported sleep behaviors in children with ASD versus typically developing (TD) children.
• To examine the relationship between sleep disturbances and daytime behavioral difficulties in children with ASD.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 60 children with ASD and 60 age/socioeconomic status-matched TD children were recruited.
• The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) assessed sleep problems, and the Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule measured daytime behavioral difficulties.

Main Results:

• Children with ASD exhibited significantly higher prevalence of sleep problems (88.3%) compared to TD children (46.7%).
• ASD group showed higher total CSHQ scores and more bedtime resistance, with significant differences in sleep duration and variability.
• Parent-reported sleep dysfunction strongly correlated with daytime behavioral difficulties in children with ASD, with CSHQ scores and night awake time explaining 30% of variance.

Conclusions:

• Children with ASD are at high risk for sleep problems, which are associated with daytime behavioral disturbances.
• Routine screening for sleep issues in children with ASD by pediatricians is recommended for timely intervention.