Melatonin for children with autism spectrum disorder
Abstract
Question I have several patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who experience difficulties with sleep, affecting the quality of life of both the child and the family. Is melatonin an effective treatment for sleep problems in children with this condition?Answer Autism spectrum disorder is prevalent among children in Canada and globally, with most affected children experiencing troubles with sleep. Behavioural therapy is the first-line treatment for sleep problems in children with ASD, and melatonin has been reported to be effective and safe in this population as an alternative or adjunctive treatment. A new pediatric, prolonged-release formulation of melatonin is not yet available in Canada, but initial studies in Europe have indicated that it is a potentially effective treatment for sleep problems in children with ASD.
Question Certains de mes patients atteints du trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA) éprouvent des difficultés à dormir, ce qui nuit autant à la qualité de vie de ces enfants qu’à celle de leur famille. La mélatonine est-elle un traitement efficace pour les problèmes de sommeil chez les enfants atteints de ce trouble? Réponse Au Canada et dans le monde, le trouble du spectre de l’autisme est prévalent chez les enfants, et la plupart d’entre eux éprouvent des difficultés à dormir. La thérapie comportementale est le traitement de première intention pour les problèmes de sommeil des enfants atteints du TSA, mais il a été signalé que la mélatonine était…
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