P028 Sensory Sensitivity, Anxiety and Hyperactivity are Related to Different Parent-Reported Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to understand how ASD symptoms may relate to different sleep problems. METHODS: 128 parents of children with ASD aged 4-14 participated in an anonymous survey. Parents completed the Short Sensory Profile (SSP), Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Strengths and Weaknesses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-symptoms and Normal-behaviours (SWAN) and Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). It was hypothesised that: 1) hyper-sensitivity indicated by the SSP, would be positively correlated with night waking from the CSHQ; 2) children at risk of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS), indicated by the CSHQ, would be more light sensitive as indicated by the SSP; 3) anxiety measured by the RCADS would be positively correlated with longer Sleep Onset Latency (SOL) from the CSHQ; and 4) hyperactivity and inattentiveness from the SWAN would be positively correlated with SOL and parasomnias from the CSHQ. RESULTS: Results revealed: 1) under-responsivity and low energy from the SSP were correlated with night waking (r = -.31 and r = .36, p < .05). 2) children at risk of DSPS demonstrated greater light sensitivity than those not at risk (t (55) = 2.83, p < .01); 3) Anxiety was not correlated with SOL; 4) Hyperactivity and inattention were related to longer SOL (r = .25 and r = .61, p < .05) and hyperactivity was correlated with parasomnias (r = .29, p < .05). DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that different sleep problems may relate to different ASD symptomology, and that symptom-based approaches should be considered for future research.