Improving sleep quality using weighted blankets among young children with an autism spectrum disorder

Background/Aims: Sleep and rest disturbances in children with an autism spectrum disorder and sensory over-responsivity are challenging issues to address. These are important self-care challenges that are commonly faced by many individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, with a high percentage of individuals with an an autism spectrum disorder reporting sleep disturbances. Many health-related professions, including occupational therapy, use weighted blankets to assist children with an autism spectrum disorder to calm, fall asleep and remain asleep. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of weighted blankets with children with an autism spectrum disorder and sleep disturbances using a single case, multiple baseline design. Methods: This pilot study included two children with an autism spectrum disorder and sensory overresponsivity. Results: Using a single subject design found that there were minimal changes reported via caregivers, indicating that weighted blankets assisted in improving the overall quality of sleep for their child with an autism spectrum disorder, specifically time to fall asleep, number of wakings in the night, duration of sleep and behaviour in the morning. Using visual analysis, changes were noted in the variability of data points but not with abrupt changes in the slope of trend lines. Conclusions: This study provides a valuable springboard justifying the necessity for additional research studies related to improving the quality of sleep in children with an autism spectrum disorder and sensory over-responsivity using more robust single subject design methodology and objective measurement resources.