Differences in Rest, Emotion, and Arousal Modulation in Youth
Recruiting
Probing the Role of Sensory Regulation in Sleep Health and Emotion Dysregulation for Autistic Youth
Who can join
Ages 6 to 10 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Youth between the ages of 6 and 10 years old 2. Caregiver-reported autism diagnosis and \>11 on Social Communication Questionnaire 3. Caregiver-reported bedtime resistance (\>12 on Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-Autism; Sleep Initiation subscale - 3-point scale, 6 questions) 4. Caregiver willing to participate in all bedtimes during study 5. Stable medication use (e.g., no changes within 2 weeks) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants will be excluded if they do not understand English or are unable to travel to the lab (Pittsburgh, PA). 2. Concurrent diagnosis of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or major psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depression, bipolar). 3. Unstable medication use (dose or timing). 4. Current behavioral treatment for sleep disorder
About the study
The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between sensory responsivity, bedtime arousal levels, sleep disturbances, and daytime emotion dysregulation for autistic children (ages 6-10). In a subset of children with elevated sensory responsivity, a sensory-based bedtime manipulation targeting bedtime arousal levels will be tested.
What is being tested
- Power Down bedtime manipulation (behavioral)
Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh · Participants: 60 · Started: Jul 20, 2026
Contact the study team
- Amy G Hartman, PhD · Phone: 412-648-7997
- Tracey Y Murray, BS · Phone: 412-624-3961
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07476937
Locations in the U.S.
| Pennsylvania | University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.