Autism Therapy: sedative

Behavior therapy such as applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) and drug therapy such as melatonin or sedatives may help in the treatment of sleep problems associated with autism.

Children with autism often have trouble sleeping. It appears that some of the brain problems that cause autism may also cause the sleep problems that are often found with autism. These sleep problems can add to daytime behavior and mood problems. Therefore, doctors are starting to realize that treating the sleep problems of autism may help in the treatment of some of the core symptoms of autism. This review article describes the treatment of sleep problems in children with autism.