Sleep in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Focus on Insomnia in Children with ADHD and ASD

Sleep problems represent a troubling aspect for many children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Prevalence rates of sleep problems range between 50% and 95% for children with NDD. Given that poor sleep in children with NDD is associated with impairments in daytime functioning, decreased quality of life, increased NDD symptoms and morbidity, and negative effects on caregivers' health and parenting abilities, these rates are concerning and underscore the need for appropriate screening, diagnostic evaluation, and management of sleep problems. Behavioral interventions have empiric support and should be recommended as first-line treatment of sleep problems in this population.