Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is indeed a complex developmental condition that affects individuals in different ways. It is characterized by persistent challenges in social interaction, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests.

ASD is often referred to as a "spectrum" disorder because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity levels. Some individuals with ASD may have mild symptoms and be able to live relatively independent lives, while others may have more significant challenges that require substantial support.

Social interaction difficulties can manifest as difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, limited eye contact, difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, and challenges in understanding and expressing emotions. Communication difficulties may include delayed language development, difficulties with conversation and social communication, repetitive or rigid language patterns, and a preference for nonverbal communication.

Restricted and repetitive behaviors can involve repetitive body movements or movements with objects, strict adherence to routines and rituals, intense and narrow interests, hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input, and resistance to change.

It's important to note that each person with ASD is unique, and the severity and combination of symptoms can vary greatly. This is why it's often referred to as a spectrum, as it recognizes the diversity within the autistic community.

Children with neuro-developmental disorders such as autism have significant problems with sleep. Why do they have problems with sleep? It’s probably because they don’t develop a good circadian rhythm, a really good simple way for physicians and psychologists to decide if it’s a sleep problem is to use a short questionnaire called the BEARS, B – E – A –R – S.

And what we assess is the bedtime routine, that’s the “B.” “E” stands for where the child has excessive daytime sleepiness. “A” where the child has repeated night awakenings, they wake up during the night, don’t go back to sleep. “R” is for sleep regularity and duration. And “S” is for snoring. Often seeing a local family physician for a referral to a Psychiatrist, psychologist or a councilor    in conjunction with a registered dietitian  is a great option to take control of this condition.

When a child doesn't get adequate sleep, it can have a significant impact on their behavior, mood, and cognitive functioning. They may become grumpy, irritable, and more prone to hyperactivity. Furthermore, sleep deprivation in children can also affect their parents or caregivers, as they may experience similar sleep disturbances.

The breakdown of sleep into different components is essential because each component may require a specific approach for treatment. For example, issues such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep could be related to different factors. By understanding the specific aspects of sleep that need attention, healthcare professionals can tailor their interventions to address those particular issues effectively.

For physicians, treating sleep problems can be a gratifying task because it can have a profound positive impact on a child's life and the overall quality of life for the entire family. By improving sleep, healthcare providers can help alleviate the various negative consequences associated with sleep deprivation and promote better physical and mental health for the child and their family.

 Now Health Network