The effectiveness of function-based interventions to treat sleep problems, including unwanted co-sleeping, in children with autism

Abstract This study investigated the effectiveness of functional behavioral assessment (FBA)?informed interventions for sleep problems, particularly co-sleeping, in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Seven children, who exhibited multiple sleep problems including unwanted co-sleeping, participated. FBA, based on information derived from interviews and parent-recorded sleep diaries, was used to develop individualized case formulations upon which multicomponent, parent-implemented interventions were based. These were evaluated using a single-case, non-concurrent multiple-baseline-across-participants design. Improvements were observed across all sleep problems, including the elimination of co-sleeping. Gains were maintained at follow-up for five out of seven children, though two children did not complete intervention. Parents reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. FBA-based interventions for sleep problems in children with ASD and their clinical implications are further discussed.