Sleep problems and sensory features in children with low-average cognitive abilities and autism spectrum disorder

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have more sleep disturbances than typically developing children. These sleep disturbances have been suggested to be associated with atypical sensory features in children with ASD. Sleep habits have also been linked to intelligence and cognitive function in children. However, it remains unclear whether sleep disturbances in children with ASD are related to intelligence or sensory features. This study examined whether sleep disturbances in children can be explained by the presence or absence of ASD characteristics, sensory features, and cognitive skills. Sleep disturbances and atypical sensory features were determined using the Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers and the Caregiver Sensory Profile, as reported by their caregivers. Cognitive skills were assessed using the Japanese translation of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children. Consequently, children with below-average cognitive scores demonstrated that higher sensory scores were associated with poorer sleep quality; children with above-average cognitive scores showed no such patterns. These findings may aid in the development of support for sleep disturbances in various subtypes of ASD.