Preliminary Evaluation of Sleepwise Program for Children With Sleep Disturbance and Developmental Delay

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are very prevalent in children with developmental delay. Parental-assisted behavioral strategies have been used effectively in school-aged children; however, multimodal treatment for preschool-aged children is lacking. The current study is a preliminary investigation of the effectiveness of a parent group program called Sleepwise designed for young children with developmental delay and incorporating behavioral, communicative, and sensory strategies. Six parents attended three workshop sessions and implemented individualized treatment plans. Initial results revealed significant posttreatment reductions in child sleep disturbances and behavioral problems, with high treatment acceptability ratings by parents. Outcomes were generally maintained at 1-month follow-up.

KEYWORDS:

• behavioral treatment
• communication
• developmental delay
• group treatment
• parent
• PDD
• preschool children
• sensory
• sleep disturbance
• sleep problem

Notes

Note. PDD = Pervasive Developmental Disorder.Children were not diagnosed with PDD before 3 years of age.

*All diagnoses or suspected diagnoses were conducted by a registered medical professional.