Sleep is associated with problem behaviors in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Multiple sleep problems have been reported in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The association of poor sleep with problematic daytime behaviors has been shown in small studies of younger children. We assessed the relationship between sleep and behavior in 1784 children, ages 2–18, with confirmed diagnosis of ASD participating in the Autism Treatment Network. Sleep problems were identified using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). The Parental Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ) was used to evaluate behavioral concerns and to define good or poor sleepers. Poor sleepers had a higher percentage of behavioral problems on all PCQ scales than good sleepers. Over three-fourths had problems with attention span and social interactions. Further delineation of this phenotype will help guide future interventions.

Research highlights▶ Sleep and associated problematic behaviors were studied in 1784 children and adolescents with ASD. ▶ Our research found an association of sleep and daytime behavior from childhood through adolescence. ▶ Children/adolescents who were reported to be poor sleepers had a higher percentage of behavioral problems than good sleepers.