Disruptive mealtime behaviors, parent health-related quality of life and family functioning, ABC subscales, and dietary supplements are significantly associated with insomnia symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder.
In a sample of 103 children with autism (mean age 5.8 years, 77.7% male), 33% scored ≥22 on the Pediatric Autism Insomnia Rating Scale (PAIRS). After adjusting for confounders, disruptive mealtime behaviors, parent health-related quality of life and family functioning, ABC subscales (especially hyperactivity/noncompliance), and dietary supplements were significantly associated with elevated insomnia symptoms.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Disruptive mealtime behaviors, parent health-related quality of life and family functioning, ABC subscales, and dietary supplements are significantly associated with insomnia symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Disruptive mealtime behaviors, parent health-related quality of life and family functioning, ABC subscales, and dietary supplements are significantly associated with insomnia symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ages 2-10, mean 5.8 years) from a general outpatient autism clinic..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Clinical Correlates of Insomnia Symptoms in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (The Journal of pediatrics, 2025) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Disruptive mealtime behaviors may disrupt sleep routines
- ▸Parental stress and family dysfunction may exacerbate child insomnia
- ▸Hyperactivity/noncompliance may interfere with sleep onset
- ▸Dietary supplements may affect sleep regulation or reflect underlying health issues
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Children with autism spectrum disorder (ages 2-10, mean 5.8 years) from a general outpatient autism clinic.
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design precludes causal inference
- ▸Sample size of 103 is relatively small for multivariable modeling
- ▸Reliance on parent-report measures may introduce bias
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PAIRS threshold used in this study?▼
A PAIRS score of ≥22 was used to define clinically significant insomnia symptoms.
What were the strongest predictors of insomnia?▼
ABC hyperactivity/noncompliance, dietary supplements, and mealtime behaviors were the most significant predictors in the best subset model.
Were demographic factors like age or sex associated with insomnia?▼
No, there were no group differences in demographics, height, weight, or constipation.
Is this study interventional or observational?▼
It is an observational study examining correlates, not testing any intervention.
References
- 1.Wenzell ML, Pulver SL, Scahill L, Davidson T, Rajagopal S, Gillespie S, Huang T, Griggs S, Roark C, Patil M, Patel M, Sharp WG. “Clinical Correlates of Insomnia Symptoms in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder..” The Journal of pediatrics, 2025. PMID: 40962108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114812