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Sleep and Behaviour in Early Autism: Examining Bidirectional Associations Near Diagnosis
Nancy Sadka1, Amanda L Richdale2, Xia Li3
1Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. n.sadka@latrobe.edu.au.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|January 29, 2026
Summary
Sleep problems in young autistic children significantly impact behavior, with reciprocal relationships observed. Addressing sleep issues early is crucial for improving well-being in autistic children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Sleep medicine
Background:
- Sleep problems are common in autistic children but rarely studied in very young children.
- Understanding the interplay between sleep and behavior is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep patterns in very young autistic children near their diagnosis.
- To examine the relationship between sleep problems and daytime behavior in this cohort.
- To identify specific sleep-behavior correlations in early autism.
Main Methods:
- Caregivers reported on sleep (CSHQ) and behavior (BASC-3, VABS-3) for 173 autistic children.
- Children were categorized into severe (SSP), typical (TSP), or no (NSP) sleep problem groups.
- Statistical analyses (Kruskal-Wallis, correlation, regression) explored sleep-behavior links.
Main Results:
- 71.9% of children experienced two or more sleep problems.
- Severe sleep problems (SSP) were linked to significantly higher hyperactivity, aggression, attention issues, and atypicality compared to TSP and NSP groups.
- Sleep problems strongly correlated with increased hyperactivity, attention deficits, anxiety, depression, and aggression.
Conclusions:
- Significant reciprocal relationships exist between sleep and behavior in young autistic children.
- Early intervention for sleep problems in autistic children is vital.
- Addressing sleep issues can positively impact behavior and overall well-being.
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