Community News & Updates

Sleep Quality in Parents of Children 4-10 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

What is this study about?
The purpose of this study is to study the relationships between your child’s sleep and your sleep and health. This information might help us learn more about what may help to improve sleep in other parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (referred to as ASD).

Who can participate?
English-speaking parents of a child 4-10 years of age with Autism Spectrum Disorder (1 year since diagnosis).

Parents will be excluded if he/she:

• Work night shifts or is employed at nighttime
• Has a physician-diagnosed sleep problem (e.g. sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome etc.)
• Has infants less than 12 months at home
• Provides casual care for child with ASD (e.g. grandparent, babysitter, daycare or respite provider) that does not provide nighttime care for the child.
• Child with ASD also has a permanent movement disorder (e.g. Duchenne muscular dystrophy) or neuromuscular diagnosis (e.g. CP) that requires physical care at night time (e.g. suctioning or repositioning etc.)

What’s involved?
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete an online survey that takes about 60 minutes to complete. The survey asks questions about:

• You and your family
• Your child’s autism severity and behaviours
• You and your child’s sleep
• Your health, including stress and depression
• Your coping and support networks

Participants may choose to enter into a draw to win one of ten $100 e-gift cards.

Principal Investigator:
Pam Green and Samantha Micsinszki

To ask questions or to sign up, contact: Samantha at  parentsleepstudy@hollandbloorview.ca.