Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
05:32

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Published on: December 7, 2018

Exploring the Relationship Between Age of Nap Cessation, Screen-Positive Autism Spectrum Disorder Traits and

Meghan Ellis1, Andrew T Jones2, Peter Rankin3

  • 1Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Brisbane, Australia.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|August 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Early nap cessation in children may be linked to later Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits. This finding suggests potential differences in sleep regulation, but nap timing is not a diagnostic marker.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Understanding the developmental trajectory of sleep patterns is crucial for identifying potential neurodevelopmental indicators.
  • Daytime napping is a common behavior in early childhood, with cessation occurring at varying ages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the age of nap cessation and the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in children.
  • To explore whether early nap cessation serves as a potential indicator for later neurodevelopmental conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
  • Included 6,424 children with recorded nap patterns from 6 to 81 months.
  • Logistic regression analysis adjusted for multiple covariates to examine the relationship between nap cessation age and later ASD traits or ADHD diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Children ceasing naps by 18 months showed significantly higher odds of an ADHD diagnosis at age seven compared to those ceasing at 30 months (OR = 5.54).
  • Nap cessation at 18 months was also associated with increased odds of ASD traits (OR = 1.81), though this finding was less statistically precise.
  • The study highlights a potential link between early nap cessation and later neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Early nap cessation may be associated with a later ADHD diagnosis, potentially reflecting underlying differences in sleep regulation.
  • A possible association with elevated ASD traits was observed but requires further investigation and replication.
  • The age of nap cessation should not be used as an early screening or diagnostic tool for ASD or ADHD.
Abstract

Keywords:
ALSPACAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorderAutism spectrum disorderChildNap cessationSleep

More Related Videos

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-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.
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism 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.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling 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
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...