Treatment of Non Specific Dyssomnia with Simple Stimulus Control Procedures in a Child with Down's Syndrome

Abstract

Nonaversive behavioural interventions were used successfully to treat a disrupted sleep pattern in a child with Down's syndrome. A quasi-experimental single-case design was employed to evaluate the treatment efficacy. During the first phase of treatment, the mother implemented a structured bedtime routine and the child was no longer allowed to engage in activities while in bed. During the second phase, a stimulus control paradigm was employed in which a nearly life-sized rag doll was substituted for the mother in bed. Finally, the mother gradually withdrew from the child's bed and room. During baseline, the child spent an average of only six percent of the night sleeping alone. By the second phase, this rose to a mean of 26%. By the end of treatment this was increased to a mean of 78.2%. The increase was accompanied by collateral decreases in crying and distress. Improvements were maintained at follow-up.