Remote Teen Sleep & Autism Research Study
Researchers at the University of Delaware are conducting a study to learn about sleep beliefs and preferences in adolescents ages 14-17 with autism.
Fast Facts
Ages 14-17
Diagnosed with Autism
Compensation Provided
Conducted Online
Study Background
Up to 80% of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report short, inappropriate timed, and/or poor sleep. Unhealthy sleep negatively affects physical, mental health, and neurobehavioral function throughout adolescence and into adulthood, even in the absence of clinical sleep disorders.
Building on prior work by the team, we will leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and refine an AI sleep chatbot using CBT-I guidelines and examine its acceptability, usability and efficacy.
As an initial step, we will conduct focus groups among stakeholders, including adolescents with autism and their primary caregivers, to assess needs and preferences. Study findings will inform the algorithm development for personalized intervention modules, content tailoring and natural language dialog designs.
Study Background
Up to 80% of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report short, inappropriate timed, and/or poor sleep. Unhealthy sleep negatively affects physical, mental health, and neurobehavioral function throughout adolescence and into adulthood, even in the absence of clinical sleep disorders.
Building on prior work by the team, we will leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and refine an AI sleep chatbot using CBT-I guidelines and examine its acceptability, usability and efficacy.
As an initial step, we will conduct focus groups among stakeholders, including adolescents with autism and their primary caregivers, to assess needs and preferences. Study findings will inform the algorithm development for personalized intervention modules, content tailoring and natural language dialog designs.
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to learn about sleep beliefs and preferences in adolescents ages 14-17 with autism in order to develop new tools using an app to help improve sleep.
Your child may qualify for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 14-17
- Diagnosed with autism
- Have sleep concerns (e.g., <8 hours of sleep/night, difficulty falling asleep, awake more than once during the night, daytime sleepiness)
- Have access to the internet and a smartphone
- No significant intellectual disabilities or developmental comorbidities (i.e., trisomy 21, Rett Syndrome etc.)
Once enrolled, this virtual study involves using an app to help improve sleep. The study involves a survey and follow-up focus group meetings through Zoom.
Compensation is provided up to $100 for you/your child’s participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
