Telephone Care Management to Address Sleep Problems in Young Children With Autism

Telephone Care Management to Address Sleep Problems in Young Children With Autism

The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing a telephone based intervention (TCM) to usual care (UC). TCM will feature a registered nurse providing a series of phone calls to assist caregivers in learning and modifying behavioral strategies that may help young children with autism to sleep better. Objective (activity monitors) and subjective (rating scales) data will be collected by an independent research assistant at the end of the project. The investigators hypothesize that TCM improves sleep duration and decreases sleep problems relative to a usual care control condition (UC).

Please see brief summary.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Insomnia
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder
3. Regular telephone service for caregiver
4. Stable dose of medication

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Signs of obstructive sleep apnea (e.g., turning blue or stop breathing at night, recurrent snoring)
2. Receptive language skills under 18 months