Interpretation of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Sleep disorders, especially insomnia and sleep behavior disorders, are highly prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) , which cause a wide range of detrimental effects on the children and their families. Several international professional organizations have highlighted integrating sleep disorders into the comprehensive evaluation and treatment in children with ASD, and developed relevant clinical guidelines or expert consensuses, such as the A Practice Pathway for the Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Insomnia in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders by the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) , Autism: the Management and Support of Children and Young People on the Autism Spectrum by the National Institute for Health and care Excellence (NICE) , and Practice Guideline: Treatment for Insomnia and Disrupted Sleep Behavior in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) . However, there is no applicable clinical guideline or expert consensus for sleep disorders among Chinese children with ASD, which greatly restricts the development of relevant clinical practice. We interpreted the above-mentioned two guidelines and one consensus, focusing mainly on several aspects, such as the levels of evidence and strength of recommendations, the definition of sleep disorders and associated factors, and behavioral treatments and melatonin-based therapies. It is hoped that our endeavors will contribute to the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in Chinese children with ASD and the development of relevant clinical guidelines or expert consensuses.

Keywords

• autism spectrum disorder|sleep disorders|insomnia|child|guidebooks|behavioral treatment