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Psychosocial Functioning Mediates Parental Depression and Sleep in Autistic Children
Melanie A Stearns1, Braden Hayse2, Kevin McGovney2
1College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|August 23, 2025
Summary
Parental depression is linked to autistic children's sleep issues, with child psychosocial functioning acting as a key mediator. Addressing a child's psychosocial well-being may improve sleep in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Child Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Parental depression is associated with child sleep difficulties.
- Autistic children frequently experience sleep problems.
- Limited research exists on the interplay of parental depression, child psychosocial functioning, and sleep in autistic children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if child psychosocial functioning mediates the relationship between parental depression and sleep problems in autistic children.
Main Methods:
- 74 parents of autistic children (aged 6-12) with sleep complaints participated.
- Data collected via Child Sleep Health Questionnaire (CSHQ), sleep diaries (SOL, TST), Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), and parental depression diagnosis.
- Parental perception of child psychosocial functioning was assessed.
Main Results:
- Child psychosocial functioning significantly mediated the link between parental depression and child sleep (CSHQ, TST).
- This mediation suggests a pathway explaining sleep issues in relation to parental depression.
Conclusions:
- Child psychosocial functioning is a significant factor in the relationship between parental depression and sleep disturbances in autistic children.
- Interventions targeting child psychosocial functioning may help improve sleep in autistic children with depressed parents.
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