A Case Control Study on Prevalence, Sleep Disorder & Life Style of Children with Autism of Bangladesh

Background: This research analyzes the sleeping conditions of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and examines the relationship between common sleep disorders, core symptoms, and developmental phases. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, sleep disorder & life style of children with autism of Bangladesh. Methods: This case-control study used qualitative and quantitative (Mix-Method) approaches. Sources were primary and secondary. The study conducted in 08 districts in Bangladesh such as Dhaka, Chittagong, Jassore, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Barisal, Sylhet. This study included 400 school going children and the age group was within 3-12 years old and 200 children were from Autistic Spectrum Disorder and 200 children were from Traditionally Developed Children. Results: In case group among the 200 respondents who were the guardian of the children of ASD highest (74%) were mother followed by (24.50%) were father and only (1.50%) were other like brother or sister. In control group (TDC) highest (71%) respondents were mother followed by (16.50%) were father and only (12.50%) were from other like sister or brother. Highest (58.50%) ASD children were within the age of 9 to 12 years and 32.50% were 6 to 8 years old. Only 9% were from (3 to 5) years old. In control group highest (58%) TDC were within the age of 9 to 12 years and 29% were 6 to 8 years old. Only 13% were from (3 to 5) years old. Highest (67%) were male and (33%) were female on the other hand in control group (54%) were male and (46%) were female. In case group, highest (50.50%) were classical autism and highest (69.00%) were referred for test. According to children’s response to social response’s in case group rarely response was 35%, sometimes response was 27.5%, often response was 14.0%, maximum time response was 11.5%, always response was 12.0%. Chi-Square Tests results shows that both slip duration and taking pill among ASD children and TDC are significant which indicate there is certain association of ASD and sleep disorder. Conclusion: ASD Children have certain sleep disorder and challenging life style. Early detection by using effective diagnosis and test required for ASD. ASD children need special care with proper lifestyle management. This study observed that the ASD children have certain creativity especially in handicraft, art and cultural activities. Proper skill development training can improve their creativity. Therefore it is necessary to support them from all part of society. Bangladesh Medical Res Counc Bull 2023; 49(2): 134-142