Sleep Characteristics in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This systematic review presents the known sleep characteristics of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Together with ASD, different diagnoses and comorbidities hinder the proper management of these patients. One of the most prevalent pathologies in patients with ASD is sleep disorder, with 50%–80% of children with ASD having insomnia. The literature describes that patients with ASD who have sleep problems will present an increase in their “core” symptoms: earlier development of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, irritability, aggressiveness, stereotypies, anxiety, and greater delay in language acquisition. Therefore, we consider it important to begin with a description of the sleep characteristics of patients with ASD, as this can serve as a foundation for establishing guidelines that support accurate identification and diagnosis, which is an important first step toward implemented targeted treatment both in terms of therapies and pharmacological management.