Sleep Problems for Children with Autism Linked to Behavioral Regulation Issues

Sleep problems in young children with autism are associated with behavioral regulation difficulties later in childhood, according to a new longitudinal study. The finding points to the importance of helping families address sleep problems in their young autistic children, says lead investigator Mayada Elsabbagh, associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Beyond the well-established importance of high-quality sleep to general health, providing support and therapy to improve sleep quality in autistic children also may help them develop better behavioral regulation as they grow older, she adds. Read More