Sleep Disorders and the Influence of Maternal Age in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of clinically diagnosed sleep disorders in young autistic children at a single-center in Brazil and identified associated clinical and demographic factors. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using records from a pediatric neurology department in southern Brazil (January 2008 to January 2015). The study included autistic children aged < 60 months. Data on demographic, perinatal, and clinical variables were extracted, with maternal age analyzed continuously and categorically (age ≥ 35 years). Sleep disorders were classified according to DSM-5 criteria. Associations were examined through bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 93 participants (mean age 33.26 months; 62.37% male), 59.14% had at least one sleep disorder. Insomnia was the most prevalent (33.33%), followed by confusional arousals (11.83%). In bivariate analysis, advanced maternal age was significantly associated with sleep disorders (p = 0.028). Multivariable analysis confirmed maternal age as an independent predictor of sleep disorders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06-1.35; p = 0.003) and of insomnia (AOR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01-1.26; p = 0.029). For insomnia, neonatal intensive care unit admission (p = 0.028) and maternal age (p = 0.026) were significantly associated in bivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, are highly prevalent in preschool-aged autistic children. Maternal age at delivery emerged as an independent predictor of sleep disturbances. These findings highlight the importance of early screening and suggest that maternal age may contribute to variability in sleep outcomes among children with ASD.