Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
16.5K
Sleep Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Navjot Sidhu1, Zoe Wong2, Amanda E Bennett3
1Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3550 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|February 29, 2024
Summary
Sleep problems affect 40-80% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), worsening core symptoms and quality of life. Behavioral interventions and caregiver training are key treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- High prevalence of sleep disorders in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting 40-80% of children.
- Sleep issues include insomnia, parasomnias, and circadian rhythm disorders.
- Sleep problems negatively impact core ASD symptoms and overall quality of life for children and caregivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant prevalence and impact of sleep problems in children with ASD.
- To emphasize the need for regular screening and evaluation of sleep disorders in this population.
- To underscore the importance of behavioral interventions for managing sleep issues in neurodiverse youth.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on sleep disorders in autism spectrum disorder.
- Analysis of prevalence rates and common sleep disorder types.
- Discussion of the bidirectional relationship between sleep problems and ASD symptoms.
Main Results:
- Sleep problems are highly prevalent in children with ASD, ranging from 40% to 80%.
- Common sleep disorders identified include insomnia, parasomnias, and circadian rhythm disorders.
- Sleep disturbances exacerbate core ASD symptoms and negatively affect patient and caregiver well-being.
Conclusions:
- Regular screening for sleep problems is essential for all children with autism.
- Evaluation for co-occurring medical conditions contributing to sleep issues is recommended.
- Behavioral interventions, including caregiver training, are the primary treatment for sleep disorders in children with ASD.
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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.
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