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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Jessica Hammerman
Abstract
Sleep behaviors consist of one’s sleep habits and schedule, such as the total time spent asleep, sleep onset latency, nightmares, dreams, and any disruptions to sleep. Sleep onset latency is the amount of time it takes to fall asleep once the lights are off. Sleep behaviors are a common issue in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These sleep issues can have a detrimental impact on a child and their parents since they affect the child’s behaviors and may cause stress for the parents. “Sleep problems are associated with poorer child functioning, including increased ASD symptom severity, behavioral problems, and poorer health related quality of life”. 6 It is essential that clinicians understand how to treat different sleep behaviors using either pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic methods. Treating the sleep behaviors can help reduce behavioral issues and increase quality of life. This article will provide guidelines on how to diagnose and treat sleep behaviors in children with ASD.
Recommended Citation
Maldonado, Sarah, "Addressing Sleep Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 83.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/83
Addressing Sleep Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sleep behaviors consist of one’s sleep habits and schedule, such as the total time spent asleep, sleep onset latency, nightmares, dreams, and any disruptions to sleep. Sleep onset latency is the amount of time it takes to fall asleep once the lights are off. Sleep behaviors are a common issue in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These sleep issues can have a detrimental impact on a child and their parents since they affect the child’s behaviors and may cause stress for the parents. “Sleep problems are associated with poorer child functioning, including increased ASD symptom severity, behavioral problems, and poorer health related quality of life”. 6 It is essential that clinicians understand how to treat different sleep behaviors using either pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic methods. Treating the sleep behaviors can help reduce behavioral issues and increase quality of life. This article will provide guidelines on how to diagnose and treat sleep behaviors in children with ASD.