Sleep problems contribute to the physical health and mental well-being of children. While there is increasing recognition and research towards this issue in developed countries. There is under recognition in developing countries, with further sleep evaluation inequity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Tleep disturbances in children with ASD have been found to have an impact on core symptoms of ASD and developmental status. 

Using a cross-sectional design, we included children aged 2 to 10 years with ASD and children with TD presenting to the pediatric neurology and general pediatrics clinics at King Abdullah University Hospital. ASD was diagnosed according to the DSM-5 and clinical evaluation by a pediatric psychiatrist. Sleep disturbances were assessed via the children’s sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ). The CSHQ was translated to Arabic, back translated to English, and was administered in person to children’s caregivers. 

Thirty-two children with ASD and 85 children with TD have been included thus far. Sleep problems are significantly higher in children with ASD than TD children. Children with ASD had significantly higher scores (p< 0.005) in several CSHQ subscales:  bedtime resistance, sleep onset, sleep anxiety, sleep disordered breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness subscales. No significant differences were identified in sleep duration, parasomnias, or total CSHQ scores. 

Children with ASD have a higher prevalence of sleep problems compared to TD children. Inclusion of sleep assessment in the routine care of children with ASD is necessary.