Doctors Get Guidance On Treating Autism Sleep Problems

Newly released guidelines are aiming to help families and health care providers determine how to best address sleep problems plaguing many young people with autism. Read More >

Dynamic Associations Among Motor Activity, Sleep, Energy, And Mood Could Suggest New Focus For Depression Treatment

Current theories of depression suggest that sleep problems, low energy, and low activity levels result from depressed mood, but a new study looking at interactions among these factors in people with bipolar disorder or depression suggests that the opposite may be true—that instability in activity and sleep systems could lead to mood changes. The study, conducted by researchers in the NIMH Intramural Research Program, suggests new targets for depression treatment. The study findings were published online December 12 in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. A podcast with lead investigator Kathleen Merikangas, Ph.D., Chief of the NIMH Genetic Epidemiology Research Branch, also is available.   View Study Findings Here . . .

Is It Common For Children With Autism To Have Sleep Disturbances?

It has been estimated that approximately 25% of typical children between the ages of one and four struggle with sleep disturbance. The number for children with disabilities increases dramatically to upwards of 80% experiencing some type of sleep difficulty. With the use of research-based interventions, families of Children with Autism who have Sleep Disturbance, can be put this concern to rest.

Sleep problems more prevalent among children with ASD

Researchers found that youths with autism spectrum disorder had significantly increased parent-reported sleep problem scores compared with the general population and those with other developmental delays or disorders but not ASD. The findings in Pediatrics were based on data involving 1,987 children ages 2 to 5.  2 Minute Medicine 

Clinicians collaborating within Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network develop highly effective program that helps parents better manage their children's autism-related sleep problems. http://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/08/13/empowering-parents-help-children-sleep?utm_source=email&utm_medium=text-link&utm_campaign=sciencedigest