The relation between sleep problems and behavioral problems in the children with autism spectrum disorder and mental retardation

The purpose of this study is examine the sleep problems and behavioral problems of the Special Education and Rehabilitation Centers children aged 4-14 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and mental retardation. The study sample consists of 160 children and their parents, 59 girl and 101 boys getting educated in five special education centers. Three types of scale were used in the study. For the sleep problems that existed in children Children's Sleep Habits scale (CSHQ), Behavioral Assessment Scale for Children and Adolescents aged 4-18 (CBCL / 4-18) and the "Educational Evaluation Scale" filled by trainers for the determination of behavioral problems. As a result of the analysis for the relationship between sleep problems and behavioral problems with ASD and MR children it showed that there was a weak relationship between behavior problems and sleep problems. The relationship between gender variation and behavioral disorders was examined and it was concluded that the gender variable did not show a statistically significant difference in terms of behavioral problems. As a result of the tests conducted on whether behavioral problems differ in terms of basic groups, it seems that behavioral problems do not differ significantly within the sub-dimensions. Also there was a negative relationship between sleep problems and behavior problems in children with ASD and MR and behavioral problems did not differ significantly from demographic variables. As a result of the study it attracts the attention that the intervention for the sleep and behaviour of children with ASD and MR is family's education and thier awarness.