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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:03
Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Sleep in Young Children With Autism, ADHD and Combined Presentations
Eva-Maria Kurz1, Sven Bölte2,3,4, Terje Falck-Ytter1,2
1Development and Neurodiversity Lab, Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Summary
Sleep problems are common in autism and ADHD. Early childhood sleep disturbances in neurodivergent individuals appear transdiagnostic, not specific to autism or ADHD diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Sleep science
- Pediatric health
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occur with sleep disturbances.
- Longitudinal studies suggest persistent sleep issues in neurodivergent individuals throughout development.
- Early childhood sleep patterns in neurodevelopmental conditions require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare early caregiver-rated sleep trajectories in infants diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or co-occurring autism and ADHD (AuDHD).
- To contrast sleep patterns of diagnosed individuals with control groups (those with and without elevated likelihood for ASD/ADHD).
- To identify if early sleep problems are transdiagnostic or diagnosis-specific in neurodevelopmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective infant sibling study with 209 participants.
- Caregiver-reported sleep behaviors (night awakenings, settling duration) assessed at 10, 14, 24, and 36 months.
- Comparison between diagnosed groups (autism, ADHD, AuDHD) and non-diagnosed control groups.
Main Results:
- No significant sleep differences were observed at 10 and 14 months between diagnosed and non-diagnosed infants.
- By 24 and 36 months, diagnosed individuals experienced longer sleep onset latency, reduced sleep sufficiency, increased parasomnias, and greater overall sleep disturbance.
- Bedtime resistance improved in the autism group between 24 and 36 months.
- Sleep disturbances appeared transdiagnostic across autism, ADHD, and AuDHD in early childhood.
Conclusions:
- Early sleep problems in autism and ADHD may represent shared, transdiagnostic processes rather than distinct, diagnosis-specific issues.
- While sleep issues persist, specific behaviors like bedtime resistance may improve over time in autism.
- Further research using objective sleep measures is recommended to validate these caregiver-reported findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
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01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
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01:07Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.