A Brief Parent-based Sleep Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Effects of Parent-based Educational Programme for Sleep Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sleep problems are very common in children with ASD, with a prevalence rate as high as 78%, and often pose significant challenges and stress to the families. Sleep problems in children with ASD are strongly associated with the exacerbation of daytime symptoms, and poor parental sleep quality and mental health. The present study is a randomised controlled trial to compare the effects of a parent-based sleep intervention for children with ASD (aged 3-6). Eligible participants will be randomised to either intervention (three consultation sessions and four follow-up phone calls) or waiting-list control condition. Assessments will be conducted at pre-treatment (baseline), and one-week after the intervention (post-treatment).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Parents/caregivers (aged 21 or above) of preschool children (aged 3 to 6 years old) with a clinical diagnosis of ASD attending paediatric developmental clinic or clinical psychology service at the Duchess of Kent Child Assessment Centre (DKCAC)
• Clinical diagnosis of ASD would be made by either a Pediatrician or a Clinical Psychologist, using at least one of the following diagnostic tools: Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS-2), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and clinical interview based on diagnostic criteria of ASD depicted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

Exclusion Criteria:

- Parent/caregiver of children with diagnosed co-morbid neurological, psychiatric or medical conditions which could have affected their sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea, epilepsy, childhood anxiety disorder