Parents' experience with the management of sleep disorders in children with autism: A qualitative study

IF 2.9 2区医学 Q1 EDUCATION, SPECIAL

Research in Developmental Disabilities Pub Date : 2025-05-07 DOI:10.1016/j.ridd.2025.105027

Feifei Shi , Mei He , Juan Li , Xiaoping Wang , Dongqing Zhang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose

Sleep disorders are a common co-occurring problem in children with autism, and parents are the main implementers in the process of their management. However, there is a paucity of research on parents' experiences of managing sleep disorders in children with autism, especially in Asian countries. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of managing sleep disorders in children with autism in China from a parental perspective.

Materials and methods

We used a descriptive qualitative research method to conduct semi-structured interviews with 14 parents of children with both autism and sleep disorders. Data were analysed according to the Colaizzi descriptive analysis framework.

Results

Data analysis identified three macrothemes and eight subthemes: (1) sleep management dilemmas: lack of knowledge and skills in sleep disorder management, health professionals do not pay attention to sleep problems; (2) physical and psychological burdens: physical exhaustion, guilt, anxiety, helplessness; (3) different coping styles: positive coping, negative coping.

Conclusions

Parents encounter challenges in the management of sleep disorders in their children with autism and respond in different ways. Healthcare professionals should enhance their own professional training and take appropriate improvement measures in order to provide help and support to parents.

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父母对自闭症儿童睡眠障碍管理的经验：一项定性研究

目的睡眠障碍是自闭症儿童常见的共发问题，家长是自闭症儿童睡眠障碍管理的主要实施者。然而，关于父母管理自闭症儿童睡眠障碍的经验的研究很少，尤其是在亚洲国家。本研究的目的是从父母的角度探讨中国自闭症儿童睡眠障碍的管理经验。材料与方法采用描述性定性研究方法，对14名自闭症儿童和睡眠障碍儿童的家长进行半结构化访谈。根据Colaizzi描述性分析框架对数据进行分析。结果数据分析确定了三个宏观主题和八个子主题：(1)睡眠管理困境：缺乏睡眠障碍管理知识和技能，卫生专业人员不重视睡眠问题；(2)身心负担：身体疲惫、内疚、焦虑、无助；(3)不同的应对方式：积极应对、消极应对。结论家长在自闭症儿童睡眠障碍管理中面临挑战，应对方式不同。医护人员应加强自身的专业培训，并采取适当的改善措施，为家长提供帮助和支援。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Research in Developmental Disabilities Multiple-

CiteScore

5.50

自引率

6.50%

发文量

178

期刊介绍： Research In Developmental Disabilities is aimed at publishing original research of an interdisciplinary nature that has a direct bearing on the remediation of problems associated with developmental disabilities. Manuscripts will be solicited throughout the world. Articles will be primarily empirical studies, although an occasional position paper or review will be accepted. The aim of the journal will be to publish articles on all aspects of research with the developmentally disabled, with any methodologically sound approach being acceptable.