, ,

Comparing Media use and Sleep in Boys with Autism, ADHD or Typical Development

Comparing media use sleep boys with autism - www.YourTherapySource.com

Pediatrics published research comparing questionnaire results on media use (television, computer, and video games) and sleep among 49 boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with 38 boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or 41 boys with typical development (TD).

The results indicated the following:
1. bedroom media access was associated with less time spent sleeping at night in all three groups.
2. bedroom access to a television or a computer was more strongly associated with reduced sleep among boys with ASD compared with boys with ADHD or TD.
3. the amount of time spent playing video games was uniquely associated with less sleep among boys with ASD.

The researchers concluded that screen-based media time and bedroom media access should be routinely assessed and may be important intervention targets when addressing sleep problems in children with ASD.

Read the full text article here http://m.pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/132/6/1081.full

Reference: Engelheart, M MD et al. Media Use and Sleep Among Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or Typical Development.
Published online November 18, 2013 Pediatrics Vol. 132 No. 6 December 1, 2013 pp. 1081 -1089 (doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-2066)

Autism Sleeps - available at www.YourTherapySource.com

Autism Sleeps™ serves as a thorough resource of sleep sensory strategies and suggestions for preparing the “sleep environment”. Sample bedtime and wake-up routines are provided as templates, especially to guide parents of children with sleep difficulties.  Find out more at https://www.yourtherapysource.com/autismsleeps.html.

[subscribe2]