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Sleep Disturbances in Children with Attentional Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Specific Learning Disorders

Author

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  • Maria Silvia Saccani

    (Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
    Department of General Psychology, Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Luciana Ursumando

    (Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Silvia Di Vara

    (Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy)

  • Giulia Lazzaro

    (Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy)

  • Cristiana Varuzza

    (Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy)

  • Stefano Vicari

    (Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
    Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy)

  • Deny Menghini

    (Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Sleep disturbances may be a significant source of distress for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, and consequently also for their families. Crucially, sleep disturbances might be influenced by comorbidity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disorder (SLD) often co-occur, and consequently, investigating sleep disturbances in children with comorbidity of ADHD and SLD is essential. Our study aimed at detecting sleep difficulties in a group of 74 children with ADHD, 78 children with SLD, and 76 children with ADHD and SLD by using the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children. The results showed that sleep difficulties emerge more clearly in children with comorbid ADHD and SLD compared to children with only ADHD or SLD. These sleep difficulties were not due to differences in ages and behavioral/emotional problems. In conclusion, evaluating sleep disturbances is important when assessing and managing children with ADHD, SLD, and particularly with the two comorbid conditions, to better understand their difficulties and develop tailored interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Silvia Saccani & Luciana Ursumando & Silvia Di Vara & Giulia Lazzaro & Cristiana Varuzza & Stefano Vicari & Deny Menghini, 2022. "Sleep Disturbances in Children with Attentional Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Specific Learning Disorders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6411-:d:823428
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