Insomnia affects up to 80% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), leading to decreased quality of life, impaired learning, and increased parental stress. However, recent research published in the BMJ Open journal has shown promising results for treating insomnia in school-aged children with ASD through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Childhood Insomnia (CBT-CI).
The study, titled "Protocol for targeting insomnia in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability: a randomised control trial," provides an in-depth look at how CBT-CI can be adapted for children with ASD and its potential benefits. Here are some key takeaways for practitioners:
- Comprehensive Approach: CBT-CI integrates sleep education, hygiene, stimulus control, positive parenting behaviors, relaxation, and cognitive restructuring techniques. This holistic approach addresses both behavioral and cognitive factors contributing to insomnia.
- In-Person and Remote Delivery: The study examines both in-person and remote delivery of CBT-CI, making it accessible for families in rural or underserved areas. This flexibility can significantly improve access to care.
- Significant Improvements: The pilot studies showed that both in-person and remote CBT-CI improved sleep onset latency, total wake time, and sleep efficiency. Parents also reported improvements in their sleep and daytime functioning.
- Parental Involvement: Effective parental involvement is crucial. Parents are taught techniques like effective commands, positive attention, and consistent bedtime routines, which are essential for the child's sleep improvement.
- Long-term Benefits: The study includes 6-month and 12-month follow-ups to examine the persistence of behavioral outcomes, providing insights into the long-term effectiveness of CBT-CI.
Practitioners can leverage these findings to improve their interventions for children with ASD and insomnia. By adopting a comprehensive CBT-CI approach, you can make a significant impact on the sleep and overall well-being of these children and their families.
For those interested in further research, the study offers a detailed protocol that can be replicated or adapted to fit different settings. Understanding the nuances of CBT-CI and its application can enhance your practice and provide better outcomes for your patients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Protocol for targeting insomnia in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability: a randomised control trial.
