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Sleep Problems in 2- to 5-Year-Olds With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Delays

Ann M Reynolds1, Gnakub N Soke2, Katherine R Sabourin1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado.

Pediatrics
|February 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience sleep problems more frequently than typically developing peers. Early screening for sleep issues in children with ASD is crucial for timely intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are prevalent in young children and can significantly affect behavior, quality of life, and overall health.
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays and disorders are associated with unique challenges, including potential sleep issues.
  • Understanding sleep patterns in these populations is vital for effective management and support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare sleep habits between young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with other developmental disorders or from the general population.
  • To identify the prevalence and characteristics of sleep problems in children with ASD.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding sleep assessment in pediatric populations with developmental differences.

Main Methods:

  • A multisite case-control study involving 2- to 5-year-old children.
  • Utilized the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) completed by parents for 522 children with ASD, 228 with developmental delays and autism spectrum disorder characteristics (DD w/ASD), 534 with other developmental delays (DD w/o ASD), and 703 from the general population (POP).
  • Employed multivariable analysis of variance (MANOVA) and logistic regression, adjusting for covariates, to compare CSHQ scores and identify sleep problem prevalence.

Main Results:

  • Mean CSHQ total scores (TS) were highest in children with DD w/ASD (50.4) and ASD (48.5), compared to DD w/o ASD (44.4) and POP (43.3).
  • Statistically significant differences in TS were observed between children with ASD and those with DD w/o ASD and POP.
  • Using a TS cutoff of 48, children with ASD were more than twice as likely to have sleep problems compared to children with DD w/o ASD (aOR=2.12) and POP (aOR=2.37).

Conclusions:

  • Sleep problems are significantly more common in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delays with ASD characteristics.
  • The findings underscore the importance of screening for sleep problems in young children, particularly those with ASD.
  • Early identification and intervention for sleep issues can improve outcomes for children with ASD and related developmental conditions.

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