Evaluation of sleep problems and related factors in children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine sleep problems in newly diagnosed children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compared these problems with typically developing (TD) children in early childhood period. We also evaluated the factors that may be related to sleep problems in ASD group. Methods Forty-eight children with ASD and 46 TD children, and their parents were enrolled in the study. The severity of autistic symptoms and mother–child relationship of children with ASD, and developmental level of all children were assessed. The parents completed questionnaires related to their children’s sleep, behavioral problems, and their own psychiatric symptoms. Results ASD group did not differ from controls in terms of sleep problems. Sleep problems were associated with behavioral problems (p < 0.001), developmental level (p < 0.05), autism severity (p < 0.01), maternal psychopathology (p < 0.01) and mother–child relationship quality (p < 0.05) in ASD group. However, behavioral problems had the strongest association with sleep problems. Conclusions The similarity in sleep problems between children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children during early childhood highlights the clinical importance of recognizing and addressing these challenges early on. Particularly, given the strong association with behavioral problems in children with ASD, clinicians should prioritize comprehensive assessments and interventions targeting behavioral aspects to improve sleep outcomes. This study calls for further research into the developmental trajectory of sleep problems in ASD children, contributing valuable insights to the broader literature on effective clinical approaches for this population in their management.