S leep problems in children and young people with autism: consultation experience and recommendations of the new consensus

Abstract

Summary: Introduction and Objectives: Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or TEA), although they have been underestimated and undertreated, with negative effects on the quality of life of patients and their families. Today, we have a national consensus that guides us in the initial approach and therapeutic management of these patients.
Methods: We've done a one-year retrospective review of new patients at the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS or SAOS) Children's Pneumology Consultation in a regional hospital.
Results: In the one-year retrospective study, of 103 new patients, 6.8 % were TEA patients. The most notable features were the sex (all of them men), the average age (3.8 years) and 85 % of families of foreign origin. The main symptoms were sleep problems (onset insomnia, maintenance insomnia or circadian rhythm disorder).

Conclusions: We want to know the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with TEA. Our aim is to review and implement the recommendations of the recently published national consensus. Sleep problems affect the quality of life of children and families with TEA. With this work we seek to improve the quality of life of the whole family.