Efficacy of parent training incorporated in behavioral sleep interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disabilities: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: Behavioral sleep interventions are regularly used to improve sleep problems experienced by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual disability (ID). Recent developments have seen the introduction of parent sleep education and healthy sleep practice training to sleep interventions. This article aims to systematically review the evidence on the efficacy of parent training that is incorporated within recent sleep interventions for children with ASD and/or ID.

Method: Electronic databases and manual searches of reference lists identified 11 studies (n = 416 children) that met the inclusion criteria.

Results: The evidence presented in this systematic review would suggest that the inclusion of parent training within behavioral sleep interventions for children with ASD and/or ID is generally effective and valued by parents. Nine of the 11 studies reviewed reported a reduction in sleep problems.

Conclusion: The literature conveys an emerging evidence-based practice that could contribute to future behavioral sleep research and guide best-practice decisions to support effective parent training to improve sleep outcomes for children with ASD and/or ID.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Behavioral interventions; Intellectual disabilities; Parent training; Sleep disorders; Sleep education.