RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Portable Sleep Monitors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study aims to make sleep testing easier for children with autism who often have sleep problems, including breathing issues like sleep apnea. Traditionally, children need to spend a night in the hospital for a full sleep study, which can be difficult for those with autism. This research is testing a small, portable sleep monitor that can be used at home. Researchers want to see if this home monitor can accurately detect sleep apnea compared to the hospital test. They are also asking families for their opinions on sleep testing methods to find better ways to help children with autism get the sleep care they need.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Lena Xiao

Enrolment target

Start

12 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What is this study about?

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle with sleep, and sometimes this can be due to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Normally, to find out if a child has sleep apnea, they need to stay overnight in a hospital for a special sleep study called a polysomnogram (PSG). This test uses many sensors to measure sleep and breathing patterns.

However, we know that staying overnight in a hospital can be very stressful and difficult for children with autism. It can disrupt their routines, cause anxiety, and they might find all the sensors uncomfortable. Because of these challenges, and sometimes long waiting lists for hospital sleep studies, getting a diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea can take a long time for these children. This study is looking for a simpler and kinder way to check for sleep apnea.

This research project is testing a portable sleep monitor that a child could use at home instead of having to go to the hospital. The study will compare the results from this home monitor with the results from the usual hospital sleep study. The aim is to see if the portable monitor can accurately tell if a child with autism has sleep apnea. The researchers also want to hear from families about what kind of sleep testing they prefer, to help improve care for children with autism.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a home sleep monitor for children with autism.
It aims to make diagnosing sleep apnea easier and less stressful.
Children aged 6-18 with autism who haven't had a sleep study before can take part.
Families will be asked for their opinions on sleep testing.
Participation involves both the portable monitor and a hospital sleep study.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, children need to be between 6 and 18 years old and have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. It's important that they haven't had a hospital sleep study before. Also, their parent or guardian must be happy to fill out questionnaires about their child's sleep and behaviour.

Children cannot join the study if they are already using any breathing support equipment, such as a breathing machine. Also, if they have had a hospital sleep study in the past, they won't be able to take part. Finally, if the parent or guardian is not able to complete the questionnaires, the child won't be eligible for the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 6 and 18 years old?
Does your child have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder?
Has your child never had a hospital sleep study before?
Are you happy to fill out some questionnaires about your child's sleep and behaviour?
Is your child not currently using any special breathing equipment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they will have the portable sleep monitor fitted and will also undergo a standard hospital sleep study at the same time. This is so the researchers can compare the two tests. You, as the parent or guardian, will be asked to complete some questionnaires about your child's sleep and behaviour. The entire process will involve the overnight hospital stay for the sleep study, and a discussion about your preferences for sleep testing. The exact duration of involvement will be outlined by the study team, but it includes the time for both tests and questionnaire completion.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include helping researchers find an easier way to diagnose sleep problems in children with autism, which could improve care for many families. There are minimal risks; the portable monitor is non-invasive, and the hospital sleep study is a routine procedure, though it can be uncomfortable for some children. You have the right to withdraw your child from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your child's medical care.

Locations (1)

British Columbia Children's Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a portable sleep monitor?

It's a small device that measures your child's breathing and other things while they sleep, usually at home, rather than in a hospital.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops and starts breathing repeatedly during sleep.

Why is this study important for children with autism?

It aims to find a less stressful and more convenient way to diagnose sleep problems for children with autism, who often find hospital stays difficult.

Will my child receive treatment as part of this study?

No, this study is about evaluating a diagnostic tool, not testing treatments. Any diagnoses found will be discussed with you for next steps in care.

What happens if we join but change our mind?

You can withdraw your child from the study at any time, and it won't affect their usual medical care.

How to find out more

Lena J Xiao, MD MSc

lena.xiao@cw.bc.ca 604-875-2345 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.