Identifier

etd-06302010-092323

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Sleep problems are a common occurrence in the typically developing population. These problems are even more frequent in those with developmental disabilities; however, sleep disorders are often under diagnosed in this population in clinical populations. Currently, there is a lack of research that examines the rate of sleep problems in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The purpose of this study is to examine differences in the endorsements of sleep problems between three groups: 71 adults with Autistic Disorder (AD) and intellectual disability (ID), 71 adults with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and ID, and 71 adults with ID only, as assessed by the Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped- Second Edition (DASH-II). The DASH-II, which includes a sleep scale, was designed to screen for psychopathology in those with severe to profound ID. Participants among the three groups did not differ significantly on total sleep scores or on individual items within the subscale. Follow up regression analysis examining what factors (i.e., ASD group, age, presence of psychotropic medications, presences of a non ASD Axis 1 diagnosis, and level of ID) predicted sleep problems found that the only significant predictor was presence of psychotropic medications. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.

Date

2010

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Matson, Johnny Lee

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3816

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Psychology Commons

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