Relationship Between Sleep Habits and Maternal Psychopathology in Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep habits and maternal psychopathology in children with autism spectrum disorder, and to compare them with children with developmental delay and typically developing children. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 131 children aged 18-42 months who applied to the neurodevelopmental delay clinic were evaluated. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale was administered by a clinician. Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire and Symptom Checklist 90 were filled in by mothers. Results: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder were found to have more sleep onset delay and sleep anxiety than children with developmental delay and typical development. A relationship was found between sleep problems in children and psychiatric problems of mothers. Conclusion: A comprehensive evaluation including sleep problems and parental mental health evaluation while performing neurodevelopmental evaluation provides important data both in the diagnosis and the rehabilitation processes.