Sleep patterns in school-age children with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism: a follow-up study

J Autism Dev Disord. 2008 Oct;38(9):1625-33. doi: 10.1007/s10803-008-0543-0. Epub 2008 Feb 22.

Abstract

The course of sleep patterns over 2-3 years was compared between 16 school-age children with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA) and 16 age- and gender-matched typically developing children, using 1-week actigraphy at baseline and follow-up. At baseline (mean age 11.1 years), children with AS/HFA had longer sleep latency and lower sleep efficiency during school days, but earlier sleep start and sleep end during weekends. At follow-up (mean age 13.7 years), children with AS/HFA had longer night wakings and lower sleep efficiency during weekends than the controls. The overall change of sleep patterns, however, is similar in children with AS/HFA and typically developing controls over a 2 to 3-year period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Asperger Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Asperger Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autistic Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Polysomnography
  • Severity of Illness Index