June 21st 2024. 12:00h. Onsite session (Sala Polivalente 2nd floor). Language: Spanish.

Irene Lacruz

University of Valencia

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have sleep disruptions, difficulties in executive functioning and learning disabilities. The aim of this study was: First, to examine sleep quality in children with ASD without intellectual disability and typically developing (TD) children. Second, to explore the involvement of sleep disorders in the association between daily executive functioning and learning problems in children with ASD. Methods: The sample included 47 children with autism and no intellectual disability and 32 typically developing children. Parents reported their children's sleep behaviour and questionnaires were administered to assess executive functioning and learning disabilities. All statistical analyses were controlled for age, Cl and medication. Results: the prevalence of sleep disturbances was significantly higher in the group of children with ASD. In relation to the second objective, both sleep disturbances and deficits in metacognitive processes were statistically significant predictors of learning difficulties in children with autism. Furthermore, sleep problems were a significant mediator in the relationship between EF and sleep problems. Conclusions: Sleep should be a crucial aspect of interventions to improve learning and academic performance in children with ASD.

Bio

Irene Lacruz Pérez holds a PhD in Specific Didactics and is an assistant professor at the Department of Didactics and School Organisation of the University of Valencia. She is a member of the Research Group on Autism Spectrum Disorders (INVTEA). Her main lines of research focus on the social representation of autism spectrum disorder and its impact on the social and educational inclusion of students with autism.