Behavioral Interventions for Sleep Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Current Findings and Future Directions

Vriend, Jennifer; Corkum, Penny; Moon, Erin C.; Smith, Isabel M.

doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsr044

Cited by 136 publications

(113 citation statements)

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“…Given that behavioral insomnia of childhood and inadequate sleep hygiene were commonly diagnosed sleep disorders, treatments that emphasize parent sleep education either alone or in combination with medications appear to be warranted. 22,23 These behavioral treatments, including those emphasizing a calming bedtime routine and soothing sleep environment, are also effective for other forms of insomnia, including those related to core deficits of ASD.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sleep Difficulties and Medications in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Registry Study

et al. 2016

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OBJECTIVES: Sleep difficulties are common in children with autism spectrum disorders, with wide-ranging effects on the child's daytime behavior. We reviewed data within our Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network Registry to determine the prevalence of sleep difficulties and patterns of medication use. METHODS:Data from 1518 children ages 4 to 10 years were analyzed to determine the number of children documented to have sleep difficulties by parent-completed questionnaires and clinician-completed forms and how these findings related to the use of sleep medications. RESULTS:The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire total score was ≥41 (associated with clinically significant sleep problems in past research) in 71% of children. The prevalence of sleep diagnoses was less frequent (30% of children aged 4-10 years; P < .0001). Medications for sleep were prescribed in 46% of 4-to 10-year-olds given a sleep diagnosis. The most common medication used for sleep was melatonin followed by α-agonists, with a variety of other medications taken for sleep (anticonvulsants, antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines). Children taking medications for sleep had worse daytime behavior and pediatric quality of life than children not taking sleep medications. CONCLUSIONS:Parent concerns about sleep may not be reflected in the information gathered during a clinic visit, supporting the need to develop screening practice pathways for sleep in autism spectrum disorders. Furthermore, many medications taken for sleep have adverse effects, supporting the need for evidence-based interventions in this population.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sleep Difficulties and Medications in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Registry Study

et al. 2016

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“…84 Regardless of the etiology, children with ASD with poor quality sleep have higher rates of internalizing and externalizing behavioral disorders and lower levels of adaptive functioning, 85 although recent preliminary studies suggest that several treatment modalities, such as behavioral interventions and melatonin, can improve sleep quality and improve daytime functioning of children with ASD and reduce caregiver stress. 86,87 Pediatricians and parents of children with ASD agree that improvement in addressing sleep problems in the primary care setting is needed. 4 An expert panel developed practice pathway for the evaluation and treatment of sleep problems in children with ASD can provide guidance to PCCs.…”

Section: What Is Known About Medical Conditions Associated With Asd?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Moving From Research to Practice in the Primary Care of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Carbone

2013

Academic Pediatrics

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“…The effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for repetitive behaviours has been questioned: the largest clinical trial for ASD found no effect of citalopram, and its use was associated with adverse effects. 70 Risperidone and aripiprazole significantly reduced repetitive behaviours in children with ASD, 75 83 and which require medical intervention (see recent guideline 74 ).…”

Section: Hyperactivity and Inattentionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autism spectrum disorder: advances in evidence-based practice

Anagnostou

Zwaigenbaum

Szatmári

et al. 2014

CMAJ

179

139

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Behavioral Interventions for Sleep Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Current Findings and Future Directions

Abstract: Although more rigorous research is required in order for any sleep interventions for children with ASD to be considered probably efficacious or well-established, the current literature should be used to guide clinical decisions and direct research questions.

Cited by 136 publications

References 50 publications

Sleep Difficulties and Medications in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Registry Study

Sleep Difficulties and Medications in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Registry Study

Moving From Research to Practice in the Primary Care of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder: advances in evidence-based practice

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