A cross sectional study on prevalence of sleep disturbances in Autism spectrum disorder in children reporting at Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, National Institute of Siddha

BACKGROUND:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder with a prevalence of 1 in

68 children, commonly presents with comorbid conditions which include sleep disorders. Sleep

disorders reported in ASD include, among others, increased bedtime resistance, insomnia,

parasomnia, sleep disordered breathing, morning rise problems, and daytime sleepiness.

Polysomnography studies show that children with ASD have altered sleep architecture including

shorter total sleep time and longer sleep latency than typically developing peers. Sleep related

problems have been shown to affect overall autism scores, social skills deficits, stereotypic

behavior, and cognitive performance. Additionally, problematic sleep in children with ASD has

been associated with higher levels of parental stress. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD) is on the rise. Apart from the core behavioral issues of impaired social interaction, and

restricted and / or repeated behavioral phenotype, comorbidities like sleep problems are

increasingly getting recognized as important determinants of management and overall quality of

life. Children’s Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ) is a widely used measure in ASD.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the prevalence of sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorder in children by

usingchildren’s sleep habit questionnaire (CSHQ).

STUDY DESIGN:

A hospital based Cross sectional study on using purposive sampling technique which will

be carried out for 3 months at Ayothidoss Pandithar hospital, National Institute of Siddha. A total

of 30 Parents/Guardians having children within the age limit of 3-12 years willing to participate in

this study, by signing the consent form and assent will be enrolled in the study.

RESULTS:

In this study, overall, 30 ASD children with their parents were seen over this period.

Out of 30 children with ASD, 15 (50%) ASD children had high score (≥41) of CSHQ, which was

considered indicative of presence of sleep disturbances and 15 (50%) children had low score (<41)

of CSHQ and don’t have sleep problems. Thus, in the entire population of children with ASD, the

total prevalence of sleep disturbances was 15 (n/N = 15/30) with 50%.

CONCLUSION:

The prevalence of sleep disturbances in ASD is significantly higher in children in this

study. In the clinic, sleep assessment should be included in the routine of ASD visits, and during

intervention, sleep hygiene education is as important as the treatment of biological factors.

KEY WORDS: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sleep problems, Children’s Sleep Habits

Questionnaire.