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Updated: May 20, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

Sleep disturbances and sensory processing and integration in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder:

Valeria Mammarella1, Maria Breda1, Luigi De Gennaro1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, Rome, 00185, Italy.

Sleep Medicine Reviews
|May 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often involves sleep disorders and sensory abnormalities. This review found a connection between sleep problems like insomnia and sensory issues, particularly in tactile and vestibular domains, in children with ASD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disorders and sensory abnormalities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), significantly impacting individuals and families.
  • Understanding the link between these co-occurring issues is vital for developing effective interventions.
  • Previous research has highlighted the prevalence but often lacks a comprehensive synthesis of the sleep-sensory relationship in ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review existing literature on the association between sleep disturbances and sensory abnormalities in children and adolescents with ASD.
  • To identify specific sleep problems and sensory dysfunctions that frequently co-occur in this population.
  • To evaluate the strength and nature of the relationship between sleep and sensory issues in ASD.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycInfo, etc.) following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
  • Studies included observational and interventional human research focusing on children/adolescents (2-18 years) with ASD and quantitative sleep-sensory outcomes.
  • Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.

Main Results:

  • A significant positive association was found between sleep problems, particularly insomnia symptoms and night wakings, and sensory dysfunctions in ASD.
  • Sensory sensitivity and avoidance, especially in the tactile and vestibular domains, were notably linked to sleep disturbances.
  • Most studies focused on younger children, with limited research on older adolescents; longitudinal data suggested covariation over time.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep issues and sensory dysfunctions appear interconnected in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
  • Further research, including longitudinal intervention trials and objective measures, is needed to establish causality.
  • Investigating whether treating sleep or sensory symptoms improves outcomes in ASD is a key direction for future studies.

Keywords:
AdolescentAutismChildInsomniaSensory processingSleepSystematic review

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