This article is evidence-based, verified by <\/em><\/strong>Dr. Ahmed Zayed<\/em><\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Autism is a common developmental disorder indicated by difficulties with social interaction, communication, learning, as well as restricted and repetitive behavior. Numbers show<\/a> that one in 59 children is diagnosed with autism in the US. Boys<\/a> are more likely than girls<\/a> to be diagnosed with autism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, teens with autism need more sleep.<\/a> In this post, you\u2019re going to find out why and how to help a teen with autism sleep better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
Although autism is a prevalent disorder where the sleep habits of children and teens who have it are poorly studied. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders<\/a> published research which showed that only a few studies had compared the sleep habits of teens with autism and those with typical development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were theories that children and teens with autism have impaired melatonin<\/a> and cortisol hormone functions, but the above-mentioned study found there was no significant difference in balances of these hormones among patients with autism and teens with typical development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a study from the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders<\/a>, it is entirely plausible that sleep deprivation exacerbates autism symptoms and challenging behaviors, but more research on this subject is necessary to investigate all effects of poor quality of sleep on behavior and symptoms in children and teens with autism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of sleep in autism can also lead to hyperactivity and worsening of repetitive behaviors, studies show<\/a>. Due to all these factors, it is easy to understand why teens with autism need plenty of sleep and a good night\u2019s rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teens tend to spend a lot of time in bed watching movies and shows, but the reality is that they don\u2019t get enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation<\/a>, teenagers need between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night, but the most common recommendations are 9 \u00bd hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason is simple; adolescents are going through a second developmental stage of cognitive maturation, and sleep is food for the brain. Teens need enough sleep<\/a> to support the development of their brain and cognitive functions the same way they need it for physical growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All teens need plenty of sleep, so their body and brain can develop properly, but this is even more important for adolescents with autism. As seen above, sleep deprivation can aggravate symptoms of autism, cause hyperactivity, and worsen repetitive behaviors. But, saying that is one thing and actually helping a teen get more sleep is something else entirely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A study, whose findings were published in the Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders<\/a>, showed that individualized behavioral interventions for sleep problems could help adolescents with autism and yield a high degree of treatment satisfaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parents or caregivers<\/a> of teens with autism can help them get enough sleep by making some adjustments in their lifestyle. Remember, autism is a multifactorial condition, and problems associated with it requires a multifaceted approach as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lack of sleep can aggravate symptoms of autism, but more studies on this subject are necessary, especially among the teenage population. The individualized treatment approach for sleep problems in autism may help your teen sleep better as well as establishing a regular routine<\/a> and making certain lifestyle adjustments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n