Parent-based sleep education for children with autism spectrum disorders.
2014 Jan
Journal Article
Authors:
Malow, B.A.;
Adkins, K.W.;
Reynolds, A.;
Weiss, S.K.;
Loh, A.;
Fawkes, D.;
Katz, T.;
Goldman, S.E.;
Madduri, N.;
Hundley, R.;
Clemons, T.
Secondary:
J Autism Dev Disord
Volume:
44
Pagination:
216-28
Issue:
1
PMID:
23754339
Keywords:
Child; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Parents; Sleep; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires
Abstract:
This study provided sleep education to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to determine whether an individual or group format was more effective in improving sleep and aspects of daytime behavior and family functioning. Eighty children, ages 2-10 years, with ASD and sleep onset delay completed the study. Actigraphy and parent questionnaires were collected at baseline and 1 month after treatment. Mode of education did not affect outcomes. Sleep latency, insomnia subscales on the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, and other outcomes related to child and family functioning improved with treatment. Parent-based sleep education, delivered in relatively few sessions, was associated with improved sleep onset delay in children with ASD. Group versus individualized education did not affect outcome.
