Disparities in sleep health are important but under-recognized contributors to health disparities. Understanding the factors contributing to sleep heath disparities and developing effective interventions are critical to improving all aspects of heath. Sleep heath disparities are impacted by socio-economic status, racism, discrimination, neighborhood segregation, geography, social patterns and access to healthcare as well as by cultural beliefs necessitating a cultural appropriateness component in any intervention devised for reducing sleep health disparities. Pediatric sleep disparities require innovative and urgent intervention to establish a foundation of lifelong healthy sleep. Tapping the vast potential of technology in improving sleep health access may be an underutilized tool to reduce sleep heath disparities. Identifying, implementing, replicating and disseminating successful interventions to address sleep disparities have the potential to reduce overall disparities in health and quality of life.

Date Presented 4/7/2016 This descriptive study found relationships between the sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder and the sleep problems of their caregivers. Interventions to improve child sleep must consider the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to sleep quality in the parent–child dyad. Primary Author and Speaker: Maureen Russell Contributing Authors: Carol Baldwin, Stuart Quan, Darya McClain, Christopher Smith, Nicole Matthews

Study Objectives: In this study, we investigated the prevalence of symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in biological caregivers of children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).The relationship of RLS symptoms to caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was also examined. Finally, we compared the sleep quality and daytime behaviors of children with ASD in caregivers with and without symptoms of RLS. Methods: Biological caregivers (n = 50) of children ages 6 to 11 y with a diagnosis of ASD completed a Sleep Habits Questionnaire (SHQ) that included RLS as determined by four questions. HRQoL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Survey (MOS) 12-Item Short Form (SF-12). Caregivers also completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL6/18). Results: Eleven caregivers (22%) fit the criteria for RLS symptomatology and caregivers with RLS reported poorer mental health. Caregivers with RLS described more night waking and greater internalized behavior problems in their children with ASD than the caregivers without RLS. Conclusions: Biological caregivers of children with ASD demonstrated a high prevalence of RLS symptoms and poorer mental health. RLS is known as a sleep disorder that has strong heritability, and it is possible that many of the children with ASD also have symptoms of RLS. RLS as a possible disruptor of sleep should be considered in caregivers and in their children with ASD. Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, caregivers, health-related quality of life, restless legs syndrome Citation: Russell M, Baldwin C, McClain D, Matthews N, Smith C, Quan SF. Symptoms of restless legs syndrome in biological caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Date Presented 04/05/19 This research addressed the feasibility and acceptability of a sleep education intervention for caregivers of children from birth to age three with developmental disabilities on the Navajo Nation. Many caregivers reported increased sleep duration, improved sleep quality, and high satisfaction with this tailored intervention. This intervention addressed sleep problems as both an individual and a family issue and would be useful for other populations served by OTs. Primary Author and Speaker: Maureen Russell Contributing Authors: Carol Baldwin, Kelly Roberts

Date Presented 04/06/19 The aim of this research was to improve the quality of the goal attainment scales (GAS) developed for clients with developmental disabilities. This research focused on providing feedback to therapists based on generally accepted criteria for GAS. These findings will be useful in training and providing guidance for therapists in writing GAS for their clients. Primary Author and Speaker: Maureen Russell Additional Authors and Speakers: Garret Candelaria, Brooke Addario

Date Presented 4/21/2018 The aim of this research was to determine whether diverse pediatric clients receiving therapy services were making sufficient progress toward individualized client-centered goals when measured quarterly using goal attainment scaling. Factors that may contribute to reported progress are discussed. Primary Author and Speaker: Maureen Russell Additional Authors and Speakers: Amber Nivens, Lauren Hall

Date Presented 03/28/20 The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the use of commonly used baby equipment by Navajo parents. The use of traditional equipment (such as cradleboards) and modern-day equipment (such as walkers) reflects both the practical needs of caregivers to protect their babies from harm and the desire to instill in their children cherished cultural values and a sense of belonging. Culturally sensitive education for Navajo parents on safe use of cradleboards and infant walkers is needed. Primary Author and Speaker: Maureen Russell Additional Authors and Speakers: Sara Clancey Contributing Authors: Cathron Donaldson

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