Exploring Behavioral Sleep Problems in Children With ADHD and Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder. Issue 10 (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thomas, Simone; Lycett, Kate; Papadopoulos, Nicole; Sciberras, Emma; Rinehart, Nicole
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 22:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 947
• Page End: 958
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) -- ADD/ADHD -- behavioral problems -- sleep disorders -- sleep quality; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054715613439
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: This study (a) compared behavioral sleep problems in children with comorbid ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with those with ADHD and (b) examined child/family factors associated with sleep problems.Method: Cross-sectional study comparison of 392 children with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis (ADHD+ASD, n=93, ADHD, n=299) recruited from 21 peadiatric practises in Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from parents. Key measures included the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).Results: Children with ADHD + ASD experienced similar levels and types of behavioral sleep problems compared with those with ADHD. In both groups, the presence of co-occurring internalizing and externalizing comorbidities was associated with sleep problems. Sleep problems were also associated with parent age in the ADHD + ASD group and poorer parent mental health in the ADHD group.Conclusion: Findings suggest comorbid ASD is not associated with increased behavioral sleep problems in children with ADHD and that co-occurring internalizing and externalizing comorbidities may flag children in these groups with sleep problems.