Sleep Problems and Developmental Delay

Diagnosed sleep disorders and broadly defined ‘sleep problems’ are more prevalent in children with development delay (global developmental deficits, adaptive functioning deficits and intellectual disability) when compared to estimates from typically developing children. Given the complexity of this association, a person-focused approach to the study of sleep in children with developmental delay is warranted. There are, however, issues with this approach in clinical practice, as sleep parameters are largely understood within the context of a typically developing framework. This chapter considers some of the key comorbid factors that may explain the complex association between poor sleep and developmental delay and reflect on some of the practical implications around assessment of sleep in children with additional needs. Clinical aspects relating to biological and behavioural models of sleep, potential perpetuating and protective factors in the context of a clinical formulation and avenues and barriers to behavioural and medical sleep interventions are also discussed. Throughout this chapter, researchers and clinicians are encouraged to consider both individual and familial needs when working towards assessment and treatment objectives for sleep problems in at-risk groups.