Summary: Sleep intervention programs for adults on the autism spectrum show promising results in reducing insomnia and co-occurring anxiety symptoms.

Researchers from La Trobe University have conducted a world first pilot study investigating a sleep intervention for autistic adults, showing promising evidence at reducing insomnia and co-occurring anxiety symptoms.

Led by Adjunct Professor Amanda Richdale from La Trobe University, and published in the journal Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy, the study looked at Acceptance and Commitment Therapy adapted for insomnia (ACT-i), and tailored to autistic adults.

In the study, eight individuals (6 male, 2 female) aged between 18 and 70 years, with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and mild, moderate/severe or severe insomnia participated in the trial.

Professor Richdale said there were significant improvements in the group that received the ACT-i therapy, suggesting this may be a way to treat both insomnia and anxiety in people with autism disorder.

Eight individuals (6 male, 2 female) aged between 18 and 70 years, with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and scores ranging from 9 to 26 on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) participated in the trial.