Portable sleep monitors for children with autism
The Accuracy of Portable Sleep Monitoring for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
This study will test whether a small portable sleep monitor (Nox T3s) can find obstructive sleep apnea in children aged 6–18 with autism by comparing it to an in-hospital polysomnogram.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07367022 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Children with autism frequently have sleep problems but in-laboratory polysomnograms (PSGs) can be stressful, disruptive, and hard to access. This feasibility study will have participants wear a Nox T3s portable sleep monitor during their simultaneous overnight in-lab PSG to compare obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) measurements. The team will calculate sensitivity, specificity, and correlation between the devices and collect caregiver questionnaires and interviews about preferences and tolerability. The aim is to see if portable monitoring could be a practical, less burdensome option or triage tool for diagnosing OSA in children with ASD.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 6–18 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who are scheduled for their first in-lab polysomnogram and whose caregiver agrees to complete sleep and behavior questionnaires.
Not a fit: Children already receiving respiratory therapy, those who have previously completed a PSG, or those whose caregivers refuse questionnaires would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If accurate, the portable monitor could allow faster, less stressful, and more accessible testing for obstructive sleep apnea in children with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Portable/home sleep apnea devices have performed well in adults and some pediatric cohorts, but their accuracy in children with ASD is less established, making this application relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Children between 6 to 18 years of age, AND; 2. Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, AND; 3. Children who will be undergoing a polysomnogram (PSG) for the first time, AND; 4. Caregiver willing to complete questionnaires about child's sleep and behavior Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children who are currently using respiratory therapy 2. Children who have previously completed a PSG 3. Caregiver unwilling to complete questionnaires about child's sleep and behavior
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia
- British Columbia Children's Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lena J Xiao, MD MSc
- Email: lena.xiao@cw.bc.ca
- Phone: 604-875-2345
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.