Understanding sleep's impact on auditory processing in children with autism

Contribution of Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) to Sleep Disturbances in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Observational Loma Linda University · NCT06059352

This study is trying to see how sleep problems affect hearing skills in children with autism by comparing those who have Central Auditory Processing Disorder to those who don’t.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorLoma Linda University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Loma Linda, California)
Trial IDNCT06059352 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between sleep disturbances and Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) in children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will undergo a comprehensive assessment session lasting approximately four hours, where neurocognitive and socioemotional measures will be administered by trained staff. Based on the results of specific diagnostic tests, participants will be categorized into two groups: those with CAPD (ASD+) and those without (ASD-). Following the assessment, all participants will wear actigraphy monitors for 14 days to objectively measure their sleep quality.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who have an IQ of 50 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients without a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or those with significant sleep disorders like sleep apnea may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how improving sleep may alleviate auditory processing issues in children with autism.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between sleep and auditory processing in autism is being explored, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Have diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder confirmed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Social Communication Questionnaire, Lifetime Version which will be filled by the parent
* IQ of 50 or higher on the Abbreviated Battery IQ Score

Exclusion Criteria:

* No confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
* History of sleep apnea
* History of restless leg syndrome
* History of any neurological disorders (e.g., seizures, tumors, etc.)
* Significant substance use in the past six months
* Inpatient hospitalization in the past three months-period

Where this trial is running

Loma Linda, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Central Auditory Processing DisorderAutism Spectrum DisorderSleep Disturbance
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.