Sleep and Children with Autism

Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities published research on the sleep problems and symptom severity in children with autism.  Using mother's reports, 109 children with autism (without any co-morbid diagnoses) were studied.  The following results were reported:

• positive correlation between the severity of sleep problems and the severity of autism symptoms 
• sleep onset delay and sleep duration were positively correlated with autism symptoms and autism severity 
• sleep onset delay was the strongest predictor of communication deficit, stereotyped behavior, and autism severity

The researchers concluded that children with autism have specific sleep problems and suggest that behavioral interventions include the treatment of sleep problems.

Reference: Megan E. Tudor, Charles D. Hoffman, and Dwight P. Sweeney. Children With Autism: Sleep Problems and Symptom Severity. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities December 2012 27: 254-262, first published on September 27, 2012 doi:10.1177/1088357612457989

Autism Sleeps

This printed book is an easy-to-read manual to help people with sensory processing difficulties, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, achieve an overall healthy sleep experience.

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