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

Dilek Altun Varmis1, Seda Bozduman Çelebi2

  • 1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|March 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Problematic screen exposure (PSE) is linked to sleep disturbances in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sensory processing deficits, particularly visual and multisensory, mediate this relationship, suggesting targets for intervention.

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderMediation analysisProblematic screen exposureSensory processingSleep disturbances

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