Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Sleep Dysfunction and Behavioral Daytime Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Comparative Study
Prahbhjot Malhi1, Amandeep Kaur2, Pratibha Singhi3
1Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh, 160012, India. pmalhi18@hotmail.com.
Insights
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) experience significantly more sleep problems than typically developing children. These sleep disturbances are linked to increased daytime behavioral difficulties in children with ASD.
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.
Objectives:
To compare parent reported sleep behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and normal healthy controls and to examine the association of sleep disturbances with daytime behavioral difficulties in children with ASD.
Methods:
Sixty ASD children (85% boys) (Mean age=6.1 y, SD=2.4) were recruited from the Psychology unit of the Department of Pediatrics of a tertiary care hospital. An age and socio-economic status matched group of typically developing (TD) children (N=60) were also recruited. The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was used to measure sleep problems. The Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule was used to measure day time behavioral difficulties.
Results:
Sleep problems were nearly two times more prevalent among children with ASD (88.3%) as compared to the TD group (46.7%) (χ2=23.74, P=0.0001). The total CSHQ and 6 out of the 8 subscales scores of the ASD group were also significantly higher than the TD group. Overall, children with ASD displayed significant more bedtime resistance than controls (t= 3.95, P=0.001). The sleep duration subscale showed that children with ASD, relative to the TD group, slept too little (χ2=23.08, P=0.0001), did not sleep the right amount of time (χ2= 11.86, P=0.003), and displayed significant variation in the duration of time slept (χ2=11.96, P=0.003). In addition, parent reported sleep dysfunction had a significant relationship with daytime reported behavior difficulties (r=0.53, P=0.01) in children with ASD. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that 30% of the variance in number of daytime behavioral problems was explained by only two variables: total CSHQ scores and duration of night awake time (F=11.18, P=0.001).
Conclusions:
Children with ASD are at a high risk for sleep problems and this is associated with daytime behavior disturbances. Pediatricians should routinely screen ASD children for sleep problems and initiate timely and appropriate interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
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.
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
02:37The Electromagnetic Spectrum
01:24The Electromagnetic Spectrum
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...