Sleep Problems Twice as Common in Young Children with Autism

High levels of sleep disruption were reported in one quarter of typically developing children compared to about half of children with autism or autism-like delays.

A few small studies in clinical samples suggest that sleep problems are more common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays, but these studies didn't use standardized sleep rating scales. This study used a validated sleep questionnaire to compare sleep habits in children with ASD and other developmental delays recruited from community sites (early intervention, education settings, healthcare) and a randomly selected population control group.

Overall, 1987 children aged 30 to 68 months were included; all underwent ASD screening and standardized developmental testing; children were classified as ASD (confirmed with gold-standard testing), developmental delays with ASD symptoms (didn't meet full ASD criter…

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Sleep Problems Twice as Common in Young Children with Autism

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Reviewing Author