Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Associations Between Child Sleep Problem Severity and Maternal Well-Being in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Christina A Martin1,2, Emma Sciberras2,3,4, Nicole Papadopoulos1
1Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
This study investigated whether sleep problem severity in children with autism spectrum disorder was associated with maternal well-being. Mothers of 234 children reported on their mental health (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index-4-SF), health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Assessment of Quality of Life-4D) and their child's sleep (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-ASD). Analyses revealed sleep initiation and duration problem severity scores were associated with increased mental health difficulties. Specific child sleep problems were not associated with parenting stress or HRQoL. This study revealed the importance of considering sleep and the family system when assessing maternal well-being. Future research considering parent, child and family factors will be important to informing a family focused approach to mental health.
This study investigated whether sleep problem severity in children with autism spectrum disorder was associated with maternal well-being. Mothers of 234 children reported on their mental health (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index-4-SF), health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Assessment of Quality of Life-4D) and their child's sleep (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-ASD). Analyses revealed sleep initiation and duration problem severity scores were associated with increased mental health difficulties. Specific child sleep problems were not associated with parenting stress or HRQoL. This study revealed the importance of considering sleep and the family system when assessing maternal well-being. Future research considering parent, child and family factors will be important to informing a family focused approach to mental health.
More Related Videos
07:56Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
04:33Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Autism 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.
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Social Anxiety Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...