The interoceptive sense perceives the physiological condition of the internal body. It includes pain, temperature, itch, affectionate touch, sensations from our organs and muscles, hunger, thirst, and air hunger. It also includes “gut” feelings such as calmness, comfort, contentment, happiness, safety, security and warmth. The exteroceptive sense perceives external stimulus outside of the body such […]
CanChild has published another excellent resource which is entitled Keeping Current In Sleep Issues Among Children with Cerebral Palsy. Here are some highlights: Studies show that rates of sleep disturbances in children with cerebral palsy are actually quite similar to the general population and affect about one third of children. Certain aspects of CP are […]
Sleep Medicine published research on a large well-characterized sample of 1347 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) examining the relationship between sleep problems, sensory over-responsivity, and anxiety. Statistical analysis was completed using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist, and Short Sensory Profile. The following results were recorded: anxiety was associated with all types […]
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 […]
The Journal of Early Intervention published research on identifying early predictors prior to a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) at 4 years of age. Data was analyzed on 100 children comparing children with ASD to children with other disabilities and children who were typically developing. The results indicated the following: 1. limited unique characteristics […]
Researchers from the University of Montreal taught a group of subjects a new sequence of piano-type finger movements on a box. Using functional MRIs, the subject’s brains were analyzed during their performance of the task before and after a period of sleep. In addition, the same test was performed by a control group at the […]
Pediatrics published research on a randomized phase III trial determining the effectiveness of a weighted-blanket intervention in treating severe sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sixty seven children were randomized into a weighted blanket group or a control group (regular blanket). The blankets were introduced at bedtime and used for a two […]
Pediatrics has published a large study linking reduced sleep and childhood obesity. The children who consistently received less than the recommended hours of sleep during infancy and early childhood had increases in both obesity and in adiposity or overall body fat at age 7. Insufficient sleep was defined as less than 12 hours per day from […]
The Archives of Disease in Childhood published research on longitudinal sleep patterns in 73 children with autism. Parental reports of sleep duration were collected 8 times from 6 months to 11 years old. The results indicated the following: from 30 months to 11 years old children with autism sleep 17-43 minutes less than their peers […]
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities published research on the sleep problems and symptom severity in children with autism. Using mother’s reports, 109 children with autism (without any co-morbid diagnoses) were studied. The following results were reported: positive correlation between the severity of sleep problems and the severity of autism symptoms sleep onset delay and sleep […]