Powering Down: A Pilot Study of a Bedtime Manipulation to Support Sleep for Autistic Children
University of Pittsburgh
Summary
The goal of this pilot intervention study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel bedtime manipulation protocol called "The Power Down" for autistic youth, ages 6-10. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is the Power Down feasible for caregivers to do each night? 2. Do the families find the Power Down an acceptable intervention to address their child's difficulties settling down to fall asleep?
Description
Interested participants will contact the research team and complete screening to determine eligibility (see Screener document). For eligible participants, the informed consent form will be sent and a consent call or video call will be scheduled. The study team will complete the consent process with eligible caregivers (on phone or via video call) and a consent form will be sent via DocuSign for the caregiver to sign. Following the consent process, questionnaires (below) will be sent via REDCap to complete and a in-lab training meeting will be scheduled. During the in-lab training meeting, the…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 6–10 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Child between the ages of 6 and 10 years old (at least 40%, no more than 60% female) 2. Parent-reported autism diagnosis for child 3. Parent-reported extended and problematic settling down delay 4. Parent-reported sensory over-responsivity (a "yes" to at least 8 items in the sensory screening section of the checklist) 5. Parent willing to participate in nightly routine during the 2 week study 6. Located within the Pittsburgh area Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants will be excluded if they do not understand English or are unable to travel to University of Pittsburgh M…
Interventions
- BehavioralPower Down bedtime manipulation
The Power Down is a bedtime manipulation protocol targeting elevated arousal level at bedtime due to a hypothesized effect of sensory over-responsivity (a common experience for autistic children). The Power Down incorporates sensory-based tools (gentle tactile pressure and auditory cues) to support nervous system regulation prior to attempting sleep onset. Participants (caregivers and their child) will be educated in the Power Down protocol and data collection methods for the 2 week intervention trial. Caregivers will lead a nightly gentle massage with guided relaxation script just prior to the child trying to fall asleep. The child will also wear a watch-like activity monitor (ActiGraph GT9x) for the 2 week period throughout the day and night to measure changes in sleep and activity patterns. Caregivers will complete daily diary questions in the morning and evening reporting their child's emotions and sleep timing.
Location
- University of PittsburghPittsburgh, Pennsylvania