Sleep Issues in Children with AutismSpectrum Disorder.

Abstract

Sleep issues are more prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)than in typically developing children. Parents often seek help from providers toimprove their child’s ability to fall asleep, stay asleep longer, and decrease awakeningsthrough the night. The pathophysiology of ASD, as well as sleep issuesin children with ASD, are not well understood, which poses certain difficulties inchoosing the most effective and appropriate treatment options. This article discussesprobable causes of sleep problems in children with ASD, existing treatments,and implications for clinical practice and future research.