Insomnia in school-age children with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Asperger syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA) are pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in individuals of normal intelligence. Childhood AS/HFA is considered to be often associated with disturbed sleep, in particular with difficulties initiating and/or maintaining sleep (insomnia). However, studies about the topic are still scarce. The present study investigated childhood AS/HFA regarding a wide range of parent reported sleep-wake behaviour, with a particular focus on insomnia.

Methods

Thirty-two 8-12 yr old children with AS/HFA were compared with 32 age and gender matched typically developing children regarding sleep and associated behavioural characteristics. Several aspects of sleep-wake behaviour including insomnia were surveyed using a structured

SUBMITTER: Allik H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1479331 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature