Table 1.

Study inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

Clinically confirmed diagnosis of DSM-IV autistic disorder, 52Asperger’s disorder or DSM-5 ASD.1 Diagnosis has been confirmed by consensus of a multidisciplinary team, as indicated by paediatrician or a confirmed multidisciplinary diagnosis as cited in a clinical report. Aged 5–12 years or 13 years and attending primary school at the time of recruitment. Child meets clinical ASD symptomology based on a clinical cut-off score of ≥11 on the Social Communication. Questionnaire Lifetime form (40-item questionnaire measuring ASD symptoms).53 Child’s sleep problem(s) are moderate or severe by primary parent report and have been a problem for them over the past 4 weeks.66 Meet diagnostic criteria for at least one of the following sleep problems as defined by the International Classification of Sleep disorders diagnostic criteria:51 chronic insomnia (including problems initiating and maintaining sleep, early morning waking, sleep-onset association, bedtime resistance and anxiety-related insomnia) or delayed sleep–wake phase.

Exclusion criteria

Diagnosed with an intellectual disability by parent report. Have any comorbid medical (eg, nocturnal seizures, blindness) conditions that disturb regular sleep patterns or genetic (eg, Fragile X disorder) conditions associated with intellectual impairment based on parent report. Have suspected OSA. OSA is assessed using three OSA items from the CSHQ.49 This scale can help identify children who may suffer from OSA. If a parent endorses items indicative of OSA, the child is contacted by the study paediatrician for further assessment. If OSA is suspected, the child is excluded from the research study and referred to appropriate clinical services. After approximately 6 months, the family is followed up to see whether they are eligible to participate in the study (ie, if OSA symptoms have resolved and they have ongoing behaviour sleep problems). Parents with insufficient English language proficiency to provide informed consent complete study materials and/or participate in the intervention treatment program.

ASD, autism spectrum disorder; CSHQ, Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire; DSM-5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition; DSM-IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition; OSA, obstructive sleep apnoea.