Abstract

Problems with sleeping are common and make life difficult for the individual who is affected and for those around them. Sleep difficulties are particularly prevalent amongst people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and often cause or worsen other difficulties.

This comprehensive guide to the management of sleep problems, introduces all the proven remedies and focuses on the problems commonly found in ASDs and related conditions. The author discusses sleep in depth, including how we currently define and understand it. The full spectrum of sleep disorders is explained alongside the range of possible treatment approaches. The book also examines why some sleep problems are more common among people with an ASD than others, how sleep problems evolve over time, what can be done to treat them and the likely benefits from different treatments.

This book is a complete resource for professionals, families and carers working with those suffering from sleep problems of any kind. It will be of great interest to anyone wanting to gain a thorough understanding of sleep in relation to ASDs.

This is an extremely well researched book, clearly demonstrating that Aitken is of the old school psychologists who, are sadly, in my opinion, a dying breed... This is an excellent book which I highly recommend to clinicians working with children with sleep problems but is also suited to parents wishing to become more informed about the science behind sleep and some actions which might help their child.
asteens and BFKbooks
Kenneth J. Aitken is a practising clinical psychologist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is active among many charitable organisations and research initiatives dedicated to building a better understanding of autism spectrum disorders and related conditions, and has published numerous academic and popular articles on ASDs.
The new standard reference for all clinicians who are confronted with sleep disorders in children with autism, and for parents who need answers to the "what can I do" question.
Filippo Muratori, Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Pisa
For professionals, academics or for those seeking a comprehensive account of sleep difficulties this book would provide a valuable read.
NAPLIC Matters
This book offers a well-researched and comprehensive explanation of sleep patterns and problems and the theories and practices that are commonly used to help addrtess sleep problems.
Communication
The spectrum of difficulties are explained in detail as well as a broad selection of possible solutions. Desperate parents are likely to claim, like me, that we've tried all that before, but it is useful to remember that what didn't work when they were 3 or 5 or 10, might be worth another try now that they are teenagers... I agree wholeheartedly with the first step of making a 'sleep diary', only then will you be able to get a bird's eye view of the true situation... Overall, this book has a great layout, easy to follow with the data to back up the assertions and some delightful quotes to lighten the load e.g. 'It is a bad plan that admits of no modification'.
Whittier on Autism
This is the first book that I know of dedicated to addressing sleep difficulties in ASC... This book is a comprehensive and welcome resource for professionals in understanding sleep issues in children with autism.
AUKIDS
Ken Aitken has done a remarkable job in providing a scholarly and comprehensive overview of this important but neglected topic. He offers valuable insights into the potential nature of the sleep problems associated with autism, an encyclopaedic listing of potential interventions and some useful tools to help with assessment. His careful detailing of the evidence base makes this a vital resource for any modern practitioner.
John Clements, Clinical Psychologist