Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 30, 2025

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

16.6K

Impact of sleep disorders on behavioral issues in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder

Giacomo Distefano1, Sara Calderoni1,2, Fabio Apicella2

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Frontiers in Psychiatry
|May 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience sleep disorders, which are linked to increased behavioral and emotional problems. Early screening and intervention for sleep issues in ASD are recommended for better clinical practice.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disorders are prevalent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but often underdiagnosed.
  • Clinical practice frequently misdiagnoses or undertreats sleep problems in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Identify sleep disorders in preschool children with ASD.
  • Examine the relationship between sleep disorders and core autism symptoms, developmental level, and psychiatric comorbidities.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 163 preschool children diagnosed with ASD.
  • Assessed sleep using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).
  • Evaluated cognitive abilities, repetitive behaviors (Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised), and emotional-behavioral problems (Child Behavior Checklist -CBCL 1½-5).

Main Results:

  • Children with ASD and sleep disorders scored higher on CSHQ and CBCL across all domains.
  • Severe sleep disorders correlated with increased internalizing, externalizing, and total problems on CBCL.
  • Anxiety symptoms mediate the association between sleep disorders and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs).

Conclusions:

  • Sleep problems are significantly associated with broader challenges in children with ASD.
  • Routine screening and early intervention for sleep issues are crucial in ASD clinical practice.
Abstract

Keywords:
autism spectrum disordersbehavioral problemspreschoolerspsychiatric comorbiditiesrepetitive behaviorssleep disorders

More Related Videos

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research08:42

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

Published on: July 31, 2017

8.3K
Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling03:46

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling

Published on: October 11, 2018

10.2K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

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.
169
Modeling in Therapy01:26

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...
130
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
133
Operant Conditioning Intervention01:24

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...
91
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

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...
281
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
201