Assessment and behavioral treatment of feeding and sleeping disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2008 Oct;17(4):887-905, x-xi. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2008.06.005.

Abstract

Children diagnosed with autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are more likely than other children to exhibit behaviors characteristic of a feeding or sleeping disorder. Parents of children with these disorders may be extremely concerned about the health and safety of their child. Sleeping and feeding problems can cause a great deal of stress to parents and other family members. Behavioral assessment and treatment procedures have been developed to address behavior problems related to sleeping and feeding disorders. This article reviews the literature about assessment and treatment, and provides recommendations regarding services to family members of individuals diagnosed with ASD and feeding or sleeping disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Child
  • Extinction, Psychological
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood / diagnosis
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pica / psychology
  • Pica / therapy
  • Reinforcement Schedule
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / diagnosis
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy*