Teen Autism & Sleep Research Study
Researchers at the University of Delaware are conducting a study to examine the potential benefits of a chatbot mobile application for improving sleep health among autistic teens aged 12-17 years old.
Fast Facts
Teens Ages 12-17 with an Autism Diagnosis
Have Sleep Concerns
(e.g., sleep <8 hours, trouble falling or staying asleep, daytime sleepiness)
Compensation
Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
How can technology help teens with autism get better sleep?
Researchers at the University of Delaware are studying how a sleep coaching chatbot mobile application might support better sleep habits for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their caregivers. Many teens with autism experience sleep challenges—such as trouble falling asleep, waking up during the night, or feeling tired during the day—which can affect their mood, focus, and daily routines. This study aims to better understand how families view sleep health and whether using a friendly, easy-to-use chatbot could help improve sleep routines at home.
Teens ages 12–17 who have been diagnosed with autism and report sleep concerns, along with their parent or caregiver, can take part in this study from home using a smartphone or tablet. Participants will complete short surveys, wear a small wrist device to track sleep for one week before and after using the chatbot, and use the chatbot for four weeks to receive personalized sleep tips. The study also includes brief daily check-ins and a virtual interview after the program. By participating, families can help researchers learn how digital tools can make sleep support more accessible for youth with autism and their caregivers.
Study Background
How can technology help teens with autism get better sleep?
Researchers at the University of Delaware are studying how a sleep coaching chatbot mobile application might support better sleep habits for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their caregivers. Many teens with autism experience sleep challenges—such as trouble falling asleep, waking up during the night, or feeling tired during the day—which can affect their mood, focus, and daily routines. This study aims to better understand how families view sleep health and whether using a friendly, easy-to-use chatbot could help improve sleep routines at home.
Teens ages 12–17 who have been diagnosed with autism and report sleep concerns, along with their parent or caregiver, can take part in this study from home using a smartphone or tablet. Participants will complete short surveys, wear a small wrist device to track sleep for one week before and after using the chatbot, and use the chatbot for four weeks to receive personalized sleep tips. The study also includes brief daily check-ins and a virtual interview after the program. By participating, families can help researchers learn how digital tools can make sleep support more accessible for youth with autism and their caregivers.
Additional Information
This study is being done to explore whether a mobile app-based sleep program can help improve sleep among autistic teens at home.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 12-17 years old
- 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)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant intellectual disabilities or developmental comorbidities (i.e., trisomy 21, Rett Syndrome, etc.)
- Severe depression symptoms
If you choose to participate in this study, here’s what you can expect:
Orientation: You and your parent or caregiver will meet with the research team (virtually) to learn about the study steps and procedures.
Sleep Tracking: You’ll receive a wrist-worn sleep tracker (ActiGraph) by mail to wear for 7 days before and after the chatbot program.
Sleep Diary: You’ll fill out a short daily sleep diary in the chatbot app for 7 days at the start and again at the end of the study, plus simple daily logs during the 4-week chatbot program.
Surveys: You’ll complete two sets of online surveys—one before and one after the chatbot program—about sleep habits and experiences (each taking about 45–60 minutes).
Chatbot Setup: With your parent’s help, you’ll download and set up the chatbot app using a code from the research team.
Chatbot Program: For four weeks, you’ll use the chatbot to get personalized sleep tips and check-ins based on your daily sleep logs.
Follow-Up Interview: After the chatbot program, you’ll have a short one-on-one Zoom interview with a researcher to share your feedback about the experience.
Yes. Participants will receive up to $160 in gift cards for completing all parts of the study. This includes:
$60 for completing surveys, sleep diaries, and sleep tracking at two time points ($30 each time)
$80 for completing weekly chatbot activities and sleep diaries over four weeks
$20 for finishing a brief interview about your experience with the sleep chatbot
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.