PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

Background Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by deficits in social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behavior. Research studies indicate that children with autism spectrum disorders suffer from more sleep problems than the general population. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate sleep problems in adolescents with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA) and to further examine the association between sleep problems and problem behavior as well as autism symptom severity. Methods In this study, 15 adolescents diagnosed with AS or HFA (aged between 10–19 years) and one parent of each answered questions about sleep and sleep disturbances. Results A high prevalence of sleep problems (80 %) was found. The most frequently reported sleep problems were insomnia symptoms (80 %) and parasomnias (53 %). More sleep problems were associated with decreased daytime functioning, more precisely with more externalizing problem behavior and a higher autism symptom severity. Conclusion The results suggest that sleep problems are common in adolescents with AS or HFA and are connected to lower daytime functioning. Therefore, in clinical practice, individuals should routinely be screened for sleeping difficulties.