The Connection Between Sleep Problems and Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Autistic Children: A Network Analysis

• DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06298-2
• Publication Date: 2024-03-25T09:01:59Z
• Authors: Lucy Sommers; Nicole Papadopoulos; Matthew Fuller-Ty...; Emma Sciberras; Jane McGillivray; Patricia Howlin; Nicole Rinehart
• Keywords: Depression; Sleep

Abstract The interactions between sleep problems, autism symptoms and emotional behavioural difficulties were explored using network analysis in 240 autistic children (mean age: 8.8 years, range 5–13 years) with moderate to severe problems. Findings revealed a highly connected interpretable network, three separate clusters identified of the modelled variables. Depression, anxiety most central variables network. restricted repetitive stereotyped patterns behaviours (RRBs) strongest bridging model, transmitting activation both within other symptom clusters. results highlight that depression suggesting support these areas could be helpful, as well future research.