Description: People living within “the spectrum” of autism are known to struggle with sleep. Chiefly it’s insomnia, but circadian rhythm disorders, movement disorders of sleep, parasomnias, and other sleep issues are also common in both children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What is it about neurodivergence that leads to sleep problems? Or is it the other way around? YAMADA et al tries to dig more deeply to answer the question, looking more closely at two key theories about ASD which may reveal sleep as a kind of missing link that needs more control in future research. This month’s journal club seeks to demystify the puzzle of autism. We’ll shine a spotlight on sleep disorders that frequently occur in this patient population, then review YAMADA et al’s findings. Finally, sleep technologists will take a look at some strategies into best care practices and tools to inform how we work with patients, both pediatric and adult, who live on the spectrum.

Recorded: 6/26/2023

CEC Credit(s): 1.0

Target Audience: Sleep technologists

Length: 1-hour