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Evaluation of sleep problems and related factors in children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

Esra Hoşoğlu1, Ömer Faruk Akça2, Ayhan Bilgiç3

  • 1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.

International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
|February 2, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are similar to typically developing (TD) children. Behavioral issues significantly impact sleep in ASD, necessitating targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are common in children, but their prevalence and contributing factors in early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require further investigation.
  • Understanding sleep patterns in early childhood is crucial for developmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare sleep problems in newly diagnosed children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children.
  • To identify factors associated with sleep problems in children with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 48 children with ASD and 46 TD children and their parents.
  • Assessment of autistic symptom severity, mother-child relationship, developmental level, and parental psychiatric symptoms.
  • Use of parent-completed questionnaires on child sleep, behavior, and parental mental health.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in sleep problems was found between the ASD and TD groups.
  • In the ASD group, sleep problems correlated with behavioral issues, developmental level, autism severity, maternal psychopathology, and mother-child relationship quality.
  • Behavioral problems demonstrated the strongest association with sleep difficulties in children with ASD.

Conclusions:

  • The similar prevalence of sleep problems in early ASD and TD children underscores the need for early identification and management.
  • Interventions for sleep problems in ASD should prioritize addressing behavioral challenges due to their strong link.
  • Further research on the developmental course of sleep issues in ASD is recommended to inform clinical practice.
Abstract

Keywords:
Autismearly childhoodmaternal psychopathologymother–child relationshipnewly diagnosedsleep

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