Description

Why?

Sleep difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are common reasons why parents seek medical help for their children. Quality sleep may affect how a child behaves. The goal of our study is to look at how a daily dose of melatonin affects sleep and daytime behavior in children with autism.

What is involved?

The study involves several stages. You and your child may choose to complete some or all of the following stages, depending on your child’s eligibility.

• Stage 1: Parent completes surveys about sleep and behavior
• Stage 2: Child has an assessment of autism spectrum diagnosis, language comprehension, and cognitive ability at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. A medical exam and blood draw will be required if child is eligible for stage 3.
• Stage 3: Sixteen week treatment with supplemental melatonin. We will give you the supplemental melatonin. We ask the parent to complete 2 forms daily about their child’s sleep. A monthly follow up visit to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN for 3 times.

Participant Criteria

• Children with autism
• who have sleep concerns
• are between the age of 4 and 10 years
• are seizure-free
• are not taking medication that influences sleep

Compensation

Compensation will be offered to families for participation.

Visit Requirements

varies, usually 4 to 6 visits

Brochure

Download Brochure

Contact Information

Karen Adkins, MA, RN, CCRC
(615) 936-1646
autismsleepresearch@vanderbilt.edu