title: Counting Sheep: Sleep Disorders in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This article will discuss the prevalence and types of sleep disorders experienced by children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), the risk factors for the development of sleep disorders among children with ASDs, the impact of sleep disorders on children with ASDs, and the role of the primary care provider (PCP) in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders among children with ASDs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of published literature on the topic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Children with ASDs are at risk for the development of chronic sleep disorders, which can have a negative impact on behavior. Both behavioral and pharmacological interventions exist for the treatment of sleep disorders among children with ASDs, with supplemental melatonin being the most widely studied and proven treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PCPs will care for children with ASDs. Therefore, it is vital for PCPs to be knowledgeable about this topic and to promptly assess for and manage sleep disorders among children with ASDs.
authors: Shoshana
authors: S
authors: Herrmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012890:Sleep; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D008550:Melatonin
keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; insomnia; melatonin; sleep