Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evidence-Based Interventions

Sleep problems are especially common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies estimate the prevalence of sleep to be 44%-83% for children with ASD compared with 32% of typically-developing children and 46% of children wit other developmental disabilities or medical conditions. Children with ASD experience a variety of dysomnias and parasomnias. One study found found that 86% of 167 school-age children with ASD had at least one sleep problem almost every day, as reported by parents who completed a self-administered child sleep questionnaire. Considering that sleep time and quality are associated with daytime functioning and behavior in children with ASD, as well as the mental health and stress of their caretakers, it is important for clinicians caring for young children with ASD to assess their sleep patterns and offer interventions that will help resolve sleep problems in this population. The purpose of this paper is to examine research evidence for interventions that may be efficacious in reducing sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorders, thereby improving quality of life for them and their families.