Behavioural sleep interventions for the management of non-respiratory sleep disorders in children with neurodisability.

This review looked at sleep treatments for children with disabilities who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (not breathing problems). Sleep issues affect up to 80% of children with disabilities. Researchers found that sleep treatments can help, but most studies only looked at children with autism or ADHD. Both group and one-on-one approaches worked similarly well, and online or in-person delivery were equally effective.

However, more research is needed to better understand how to adapt these treatments for different types of disabilities.

This systematic review examined behavioural sleep interventions for non-respiratory sleep disorders in children with neurodisability, analyzing 55 studies. Non-respiratory sleep disorders affect up to 80% of children with neurodisability. The review found that most studies (69%) focused on children with ASD and/or ADHD, with limited research in other disability groups. Both group and individual intervention approaches showed similar efficacy, and delivery mode (online vs in-person) did not significantly impact effectiveness.

Key limitations included small sample sizes across studies, limited breadth of neurodisability conditions studied, and the need for interventions to be adapted for this population. While behavioural sleep strategies can be effective, more evidence is needed to determine optimal tailoring for children with neurodisability.

Behavioural sleep interventions show promise for children with neurodisability, particularly those with ASD/ADHD. Clinicians can offer flexible delivery options (group/individual, online/in-person) based on family preferences. However, interventions may need adaptation for different neurodisability types. Priority should be given to developing evidence-based protocols for underrepresented disability groups.

Small sample sizes across majority of studies limit generalizability. Limited breadth of neurodisability conditions studied beyond ASD/ADHD. Interventions may require adaptation for effectiveness in neurodisability populations. More evidence needed to determine optimal tailoring approaches.

Non-respiratory sleep disorders, including behavioural sleep disorders (e.g., difficulty with sleep onset and sleep maintenance) affect up to 80 % of children with neurodisability (ND). Non-respiratory sleep disorders in typically developing children can be treated using a variety of behavioural strategies and interventions, however generalisability of these interventions to children with ND remains uncertain. A systematic search of databases revealed 55 papers that were included in this review. Most (69 %) studies focused on children with ASD and/or ADHD with a limited number found in other disability groups.

Intervention delivery mode varied with 13 % using an online format and 87 % in person, with group (44 %) and individual (52 %) approaches exhibiting similar efficacy. Results outlined key findings; 1) The breadth of ND conditions included is limited 2) small sample size across the majority of studies 3) interventions may need to be adapted to improve effectiveness 4) while mode of delivery varied, effects were similar and 5) highest intensity programs were not the most effective. Our review shows that while sleep strategies and interventions can be effective in treating non-respiratory sleep disorders in this cohort, more evidence is required to determine how best to tailor these to address challenges that are unique to children with ND.