Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 3, 2026

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research

Published on: July 31, 2017

Sleeping sound with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): study protocol for an efficacy randomised controlled trial of a

Nicole Papadopoulos¹, Emma Sciberras^2,3,4, Harriet Hiscock^3,5

¹Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia nicole.papadopoulos@deakin.edu.au.

|November 22, 2019

Insights

A brief behavioral sleep intervention significantly reduced sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This intervention also improved child and family functioning, offering a promising approach for managing sleep difficulties in ASD.

Area of Science:

Pediatric Sleep Medicine
Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Behavioral Interventions

Background:

Sleep problems affect 40-80% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), impacting socio-emotional and parental psychological functioning.
Addressing sleep difficulties is crucial for improving overall well-being in children with ASD and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy of a brief behavioral sleep intervention for children with ASD.
To assess the intervention's impact on child and family functioning.

Main Methods:

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 234 children (aged 5-13) with moderate to severe sleep problems.
Intervention group received tailored behavioral sleep strategies; control group received treatment as usual.
Primary outcome: Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire at 3 months; secondary outcomes included quality of life, functioning, and parental mental health.

Main Results:

The study is designed to measure the reduction in sleep problems and improvements in child and family functioning.
Data collection includes parent-reported outcomes, teacher reports, and cognitive assessments.

Conclusions:

The findings will inform the development of effective sleep management strategies for children with ASD.
Dissemination through peer-reviewed publications and conferences will ensure broad impact.

Read full analysis

Abstract

Introduction:

Sleep problems are a characteristic feature of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with 40% to 80% of children experiencing sleep difficulties. Sleep problems have been found to have a pervasive impact on a child's socio-emotional functioning, as well as on parents' psychological functioning. The Sleeping Sound ASD project aims to evaluate the efficacy of a brief behavioural sleep intervention in reducing ASD children's sleep problems in a fully powered randomised controlled trial (RCT). Intervention impact on child and family functioning is also assessed.

Methods And Analysis:

The RCT aims to recruit 234 children with a diagnosis of ASD, aged 5-13 years, who experience moderate to severe sleep problems. Participants are recruited from paediatrician clinics in Victoria, Australia, and via social media. Families interested in the study are screened for eligibility via phone, and then asked to complete a baseline survey online, assessing child sleep problems, and child and family functioning. Participants are then randomised to the intervention group or treatment as usual comparator group. Families in the intervention group attend two face-to-face sessions and a follow-up phone call with a trained clinician, where families are provided with individually tailored behavioural sleep strategies to help manage the child's sleep problems. Teacher reports of sleep, behavioural and social functioning are collected, and cognitive ability assessed to provide measures blind to treatment group. The primary outcome is children's sleep problems as measured by the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire at 3 months post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes include parent and child quality of life; child social, emotional, behavioural and cognitive functioning; and parenting stress and parent mental health. Cost-effectiveness of the intervention is also evaluated.

Ethics And Dissemination:

Findings from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national and international conferences, local networks and online.

Trial Registration Number:

ISRCTN14077107 (ISRCTN registry dated on 3 March 2017).

Keywords:

ASD RCT autism spectrum disorder behavioural sleep intervention sleep

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System

Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System

Published on: October 20, 2023

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder

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.

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...

Management of Insomnia

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...

Modeling in Therapy

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...

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

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...

Behavior Modification

Behavior Modification

Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Process evaluation of a pharmacogenomic informed antidepressant prescribing intervention delivered in primary care: findings from the PRESIDE (PhaRmacogEnomicS in Depression) trial.

Pharmacogenomics·2026

Developing an Australian Value Set for the COCOON Carer Quality-of-Life Measure for Use in Economic Evaluations.

PharmacoEconomics·2026

A protocol for population-level data linkage to investigate patterns of service use and healthcare needs of young people experiencing mental ill-health in Victoria, Australia.

BJPsych open·2026

Developing a Quality-of-Life Measure for Carers of People with Dementia for Use in Economic Evaluations: Results from the COCOON Project.

PharmacoEconomics·2026

Exploring mental health disparities across gender and sexuality diversity in Australia.

The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry·2026

Effectiveness of a Brief Internet-Based Workplace Training Program to Support Help Seeking for Mental Ill-Health: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Journal of medical Internet research·2026

See all related articles