INCIDENCE AND CHARACTER OF SUBJECTIVE SLEEP DISORDERS IN THE GEORGIAN POPULATION OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.

Abstract

Aim of the study: This study aims to assess the incidence and characteristics of sleep disorders in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Georgia. This research is particularly relevant because ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and one of its most challenging issues is sleep disorders. In Georgia, the number of children and adolescents with ASD has increased significantly over the past two decades, yet sleep disorders among this population have not been studied at all to date.

Material and methods: The parents (volunteers) of 500 ASD children/adolescents (without comorbid conditions and medication-free) participated in this study. Children and adolescents with ASD who had sleep disorders were identified based on subjective data collected from their parents using a modified version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, as well as the Simonds & Paraga modified version. The control group consisted of typically developing, age-matched peers. Results treated statistically by ANOVA, with Student's t criteria.

Results and conclusion: For the first time, we discovered serious sleep disorders in 61% of Georgian children and adolescents with ASD characterized by: a) difficulties falling asleep, significant increases in sleep latency, and heightened sleep resistance; b) frequent awakenings and challenges in maintaining nighttime sleep; and c) a notable increase in anxiety and nightmares. All of these considerably worsen sleep quality, which can, in turn, have further consequences on the behavioral symptoms of ASD. The results will serve as diagnostic criteria for clinicians to prescribe personalized sleep therapy for each child or adolescent with ASD, in conjunction with behavioral therapy.