Abstract
BackgroundAsperger syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA) are pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in individuals of normal intelligence. Childhood AS/HFA is considered to be often associated with disturbed sleep, in particular with difficulties initiating and/or maintaining sleep (insomnia). However, studies about the topic are still scarce. The present study investigated childhood AS/HFA regarding a wide range of parent reported sleep-wake behaviour, with a particular focus on insomnia.MethodsThirty-two 8–12 yr old children with AS/HFA were compared with 32 age and gender matched typically developing children regarding sleep and associated behavioural characteristics. Several aspects of sleep-wake behaviour including insomnia were surveyed using a structured paediatric sleep questionnaire in which parents reported their children's sleep patterns for the previous six months. Recent sleep patterns were monitored by use of a one-week sleep diary and actigraphy. Behavioural characteristics were surveyed by use of information gleaned from parent and teacher-ratings in the High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, and in the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.ResultsParent-reported difficulties initiating sleep and daytime sleepiness were more common in children with AS/HFA than in controls, and 10/32 children with AS/HFA (31.2%) but none of the controls fulfilled our definition of paediatric insomnia. The parent-reported insomnia corresponded to the findings obtained by actigraphy. Children with insomnia had also more parent-reported autistic and emotional symptoms, and more teacher-reported emotional and hyperactivity symptoms than those children without insomnia.ConclusionParental reports indicate that in childhood AS/HFA insomnia is a common and distressing symptom which is frequently associated with coexistent behaviour problems. Identification and treatment of sleep problems need to be a routine part of the treatment plan for children with AS/HFA.
Highlights
Asperger syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA) are pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in individuals of normal intelligence
The specific aims of the report were: 1) to compare children with AS/HFA and typically developing controls regarding the frequency of a wide range of sleepwake behaviour; 2) to compare children with AS/HFA and controls regarding the frequency of symptoms of paediatric insomnia; and 3) to investigate if children with insomnia differ from children without insomnia regarding
Parent report indicated that difficulties initiating sleep and daytime sleepiness were more common in the children with AS/HFA than in the typically developing controls, and 10/32 children with AS/HFA versus 0/32 of the controls fulfilled present criteria for paediatric insomnia
Summary
The specific aims of the report were: 1) to compare children with AS/HFA and typically developing controls regarding the frequency of a wide range of sleepwake behaviour; 2) to compare children with AS/HFA and controls regarding the frequency of symptoms of paediatric insomnia; and 3) to investigate if children with insomnia differ from children without insomnia regarding
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have