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The effectiveness of function‐based interventions to treat sleep problems, including unwanted co‐sleeping, in children with autism
Author(s) -
McLay Laurie K.,
France Karyn G.,
Knight Jacqueline,
Blampied Neville M.,
Hastie Brent
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
behavioral interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.605
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1099-078X
pISSN - 1072-0847
DOI - 10.1002/bin.1651
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , psychology , autism , autism spectrum disorder , sleep (system call) , multiple baseline design , intervention (counseling) , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , psychiatry , computer science , operating system
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.