Counting Sheep: Sleep Disorders in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Zebrafish sleep: from geneZZZ to neuronZZZ

“…Many neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and autism, are associated with sleep disturbances This is the accepted version prior to final publication. 10.1016/j.conb.2017.02.009 [44,45], but it remains unclear in most cases to what extent sleep disruption contributes to disease severity and progression. Several studies have now identified sleep and arousal endophenotypes in zebrafish genetic models of disease.…”

Autism as an Infantile Post-trauma Stress Disorder: A Hypothesis

“…For children with PTSD, they would present intrusion symptoms such as the traumatic event(s) related content in play reenactment and dreams. Parents of children with autism often report the problem of frequent awake in the night [10]. It might be associated with disturbance of the trauma related dream although it is difficult to ascertain that.…”

“…Sleep disturbance is prevalent in children with autism. Based on the results of a recent meta analysis, the prevalence of sleep disorders among children with ASDs is estimated to range from 45%-86% [10]. Insomnia and frequent awakening are common sleep problems.…”

Recommendations for Identifying Sleep Problems and Treatment Resources for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…In summary, graduated extinction is useful for children who have difficulty initiating sleep when the parent leaves the room and for children who have difficulties transitioning back to sleep independently after a night waking. It is important to note that parents should remain consistent when entering the room each time-providing minimal interaction and soothing (Herrmann, 2016). For additional information on graduated extinction, see Turner and Johnson (2013).…”