Problematic Screen Exposure and Sleep Disturbances in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Mediating Role of...

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Pediatric Sleep Medicine
• Sensory Processing

Background:

• Sensory processing abnormalities are a hallmark of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• These sensory issues may contribute to the sleep problems frequently observed in children with ASD.
• This study investigates the role of sensory processing in the link between screen time and sleep disturbances in ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if sensory processing mediates the relationship between problematic screen exposure (PSE) and sleep disturbances in children with ASD.
• To explore the specific sensory domains involved in this mediation.
• To inform potential clinical interventions targeting screen habits and sensory regulation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 108 children (6-12 years) diagnosed with ASD.
• Data collected via caregiver-reported questionnaires including the Dunn Sensory Profile, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and screen exposure measures.
• Statistical analyses included group comparisons and mediation models to assess indirect effects.

Main Results:

• Children with PSE reported higher autism-related behavioral symptoms and more severe sleep disturbances.
• Significant sensory deficits were found in visual, vestibular, and tactile processing (p < 0.001).
• Mediation analysis confirmed that visual and multisensory processing deficits statistically explained the link between PSE and sleep disturbances.

Conclusions:

• Problematic screen exposure is associated with sleep disturbances in children with ASD.
• Sensory processing dysregulation acts as a mediator in this association.
• Interventions addressing both screen exposure patterns and sensory modulation may be beneficial for improving sleep in children with ASD.