Sleep Problems and Their Correlates in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Indian Study

Sleep problems were studied in both typically developing (TD) children and those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children. Factors associated with these problems were also studied in children with ASD. Seventy-three children with ASD and their age and sex matched TD controls in age group of 3-12 years were enrolled in the study. Higher sleep problems were found in children with ASD than TD children. Most common sleep problem reported in children with ASD was Sleep Wake Transition Disorders, followed by Disorder of Initiation and Maintenance; while in TD controls, it was Sleep Breathing Disorders. Apart from severity of Autism; hyperactivity, sensory issues and poor motor skills were significantly associated with sleep problems, which may be important targets for intervention in children with sleep problems.