P028 Sensory Sensitivity, Anxiety and Hyperactivity are Related to Different Parent-Reported Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study aimed to understand how ASD symptoms may relate to different sleep problems. METHODS 128 parents of children with ASD aged 4-14 participated in an anonymous survey. Parents completed the Short Sensory Profile (SSP), Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Strengths and Weaknesses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-symptoms and Normal-behaviours (SWAN) and Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). It was hypothesised that: 1) hyper-sensitivity indicated by the SSP, would be positively correlated with night waking from the CSHQ; 2) children at risk of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS), indicated by the CSHQ, would be more light sensitive as indicated by the SSP; 3) anxiety measured by the RCADS would be positively correlated with longer Sleep Onset Latency (SOL) from the CSHQ; and 4) hyperactivity and inattentiveness from the SWAN would be positively correlated with SOL and parasomnias from the CSHQ. RESULTS Results revealed: 1) under-responsivity and low energy from the SSP were correlated with night waking (r = -.31 and r = .36, p < .05). 2) children at risk of DSPS demonstrated greater light sensitivity than those not at risk (t (55) = 2.83, p < .01); 3) Anxiety was not correlated with SOL; 4) Hyperactivity and inattention were related to longer SOL (r = .25 and r = .61, p < .05) and hyperactivity was correlated with parasomnias (r = .29, p < .05). DISCUSSION These findings suggest that different sleep problems may relate to different ASD symptomology, and that symptom-based approaches should be considered for future research.