768 The Relationship Between Circadian Rhythm and Autism Spectrum Disorder Traits and Executive Function Across the Life Span

Abstract

Introduction Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have sleep, circadian, and executive function impairments, which can affect daytime quality. Yet, the relationship between sleep or circadian traits and ASD traits is still unknown. Thus, we aimed to determine if sleep and circadian traits were associated with ASD traits, including executive function. Methods We studied data from participants with and without ASD enrolled in the family-based study Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania. We used GGIR to analyze actigraphy-derived sleep and circadian traits from 250 participants (219 adults ages 18–87 years, mean 44.2 ± 17.3 years; 31 children ages 4–17 years, mean 11.3 ± 3.9 years). These traits were compared to ASD traits (social impairment and restricted/repetitive behavior via Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition) and executive function (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) using linear multivariate regression models adjusted for age, age2, and sex via Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines. Results In adults, earlier start time of the 10 hours of highest activity in a 24-hour day (M10 start time; p = 0.02), decreased robustness of the rest/activity rhythm (relative amplitude; p = 0.03), and increased intradaily variability of rest/activity rhythm (p = 0.04) were associated with more social impairment. In children, earlier M10 start time (p = 0.02) and decreased relative amplitude (p = 0.03) were associated with more social impairment. In adults, higher average 5-hour period of lowest activity in a 24-hour day (L5 average; p = 0.03), lower average 10-hour period of highest activity in a 24-hour day (M10 average; p = 0.005), earlier M10 start time (p = 0.02), decreased relative amplitude (p = <0.001), increased intradaily variability (p = <0.001) and decreased sleep efficiency (p = 0.04) were associated with increased executive function impairment. In children, earlier M10 start time (p = 0.006) and intradailty variability (p = 0.008) were associated with increased executive function impairment. Conclusion Circadian traits are significantly associated with ASD traits, including executive function, suggesting the importance of sleep-wake rhythm dysfunction in ASD. Support (if any) Anonymous donor; NIH T32HL07713; University of Pennsylvania’s Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics