Sleep Difficulties in Children with Autism and Poor Family Functioning

Introduction: Sleep difficulties are some of the marked challenges faced by young people with autism, their families, and caregivers. Aim: The present study investigated the buffering effects of parental sleep knowledge and social support in the relationship between sleep difficulties in children with autism and poor family functioning. Methods: A convenience sample of 200 participants was recruited. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Results: Parental sleep knowledge moderates the relationship between sleep difficulties in children with autism and poor family functioning (Hypothesis 1 and Model 1), social support moderates the relationship between sleep difficulties in children with autism and poor family functioning (Hypothesis 2 and Model 2), and parental sleep knowledge and social support together buffer the relationship between sleep difficulties in children with autism and poor family functioning (Hypothesis 3 and Model 3). There is a positive relationship between a child’s sleep problems and their parents’ family functioning. Discussion/Conclusion: It is reasonable to expect that if the child is not sleeping or is not sleeping well, the parent and family are also likely to experience sleep problems in some way. Moreover, sleep problems in children can significantly and profoundly impact not only the developmental trajectory of the child but also negatively impact the family and heighten stress.