Can sleep profiles predict autistic traits in siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder?
Alshaimaa A Naeem1, Hala A El-Boraie2, Tamer A Abou-Elsaad3
1Egyptian ministry of health, Egypt.
Insights
Siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit similar sleep issues. Early screening for sleep problems in both children with ASD and their siblings is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Family Studies
Background:
- Rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) necessitates understanding its impact on families.
- Sleep disturbances are common in children with ASD, affecting the entire family unit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess sleep disturbances in siblings of children with ASD (high-risk siblings, HR-sibs).
- To determine if HR-sibs' sleep patterns correlate with sleep issues in their autistic siblings.
Main Methods:
- A case-control, cross-sectional study involving 64 children with ASD, 80 HR-sibs, and 80 typically developing controls.
- Sleep problems and autistic traits were evaluated using sleep-wake diaries, school sleep habit surveys, and the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in sleep profiles were observed between children with ASD and their HR-sibs.
- Typically developing children experienced more middle insomnia and longer wake latency compared to HR-sibs.
Conclusions:
- Children with ASD and their HR-sibs share increased risks for sleep problems.
- Early screening for sleep issues in children with ASD and their siblings is recommended.
Introduction:
As the prevalence of ASD (autism spectrum disorder) continues to rise, so does the need to evaluate the impact of associated difficulties on both the diagnosed child and the immediate family.
Objectives:
The aim of the present study was to assess reports of sleep disturbance or abnormal sleep behaviours (sleep profiles) in the siblings of diagnosed autistic children (referred to throughout this study as high-risk siblings, or HR-sibs) and to determine if these sleep patterns correlated with evidence of disturbed sleep among their siblings who had full symptoms of autistic spectrum disorder.
Material And Methods:
This case control cross-sectional study investigated 64 autistic children, 80 HR-sibs, and 80 typically developing children. Each study subject was assessed for sleep problems and autistic traits through the use of a sleep-wake diary, a school sleep habit survey, and a childhood autism spectrum test.
Results:
Children with autism spectrum disorders and their HR-sibs showed no significant differences regarding their sleep profiles. Typically, developing children had more middle insomnia than HR-sibs and had more wake latency.
Conclusion:
Increased risks for sleep problems in children with autism and their HR-sibs emphasized the importance of early screening for sleep problems in children with autism and their siblings.
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