Sleep disturbances in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Focusing on the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on sleep, this study compares sleep disturbances in children with ASD to typically developing peers. Conducted with parents from NIMHANS and local schools in Bengaluru, it involved 30 participants from each group, matched by age and socio-economic status. Utilizing tools like the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire, the findings reveal that children with ASD experience significantly more sleep issues, which correlate with autism severity and contribute to behavioral challenges like hyperactivity.