Development of assessment and intervention methods for life rhythm in children with autism spectrum disorders.

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26780522
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Special needs education
• Research Institution: Fukuyama City University (2017-2018); Hakuoh University (2014-2016)
• Principal Investigator: Hirano Shingo 福山市立大学, 教育学部, 准教授 (90571654)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 自閉スペクトラム症 / 生活リズム / 睡眠-覚醒リズム / アセスメント / 介入法 / 睡眠 / アクチグラフ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examined assessment methods and intervention methods to realize the support suitable for the characteristics of the children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with difficulty in life rhythm formation. We examined mainly by cases in primary and junior high school students who had difficulty forming the sleep-wakefulness rhythm and behavior of school attendance. As a result of the comprehensive assessments, difficulties common to ASD in which biological background is assumed, such as sleep onset insomnia, were found. On the other hand, it was suggested that life rhythm would be better improved by use of the individual strengths that were revealed in the assessment, such as eliminating anxiety in social life and enhancing daytime activities, rather than trying to move that bedtime and/or wake-up time forward.

Free Research Field

生理心理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

自閉スペクトラム症（ASD）児者が睡眠に関連した困難を持ちやすいことは良く知られているが(Richdale, 1999)，その一方で改善介入に関する研究不足が指摘されている(Weaver, 2015)。本研究は，事例検討を重ねることで，ASD児一人ひとりとその家庭の実態に即した複数の手法を組合わせて個別支援を行うことにより良い介入効果が期待できることを示唆した。これは最近のメタ分析(Cuomo et al., 2017)を支持する結果といえる。特に，対象児の強みに着目する支援によって，本人や家族の負担の軽減とともに，長期的な視点を持った生活リズム改善のPDCAサイクル構築が期待される。