Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has increased
in prevalence over the last several decades. A significant proportion of children
with ASD have comorbid sleep disorders. The interplay between ASD and sleep is multifactorial
and bidirectional. There is evidence for physiological differences in ASD that contribute
to sleep problems, including sensory overresponsiveness (SOR) and abnormal melatonin
production. Comorbidities associated with ASD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
[ADHD], mood disorders) as well as medications used to treat these comorbidities often
have effects on sleep architecture. In this article the authors discuss the etiology
and manifestations of sleep disorders in children with ASD, as well as their clinical
evaluation and treatment options.
Keywords
autism - sleep - neurodevelopmental disorders
