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Sleep Apnea and Autism

By WKRG Staff

Published: Mon, July 09, 2007 - 1:07 am

A restful sleep is something we all need, and exactly what kids with sleep apnea miss out on. Now, a study uncovers what happens when you correct a sleep disorder in a child with autism.

    Tammi McDaniel is a second grader and a whiz when it comes to state capitols.   But there was a time when Tammi wasn't a whiz at getting a good night's sleep.

   Her mother Angela McDaniel explains, "When she would go to sleep, she snored a lot and she would, like, stop breathing and then gasp for air."

   Though they didn't know it, the nightly interruptions influenced Tammi's daytime where a mild form of autism already played a role. "She could not handle a lot of the demands placed on her, particularly social demands," says McDaniel.

    Doctor Beth Malow says breathing disruptions caused by sleep apnea affect about 2 percent of all children. The results of sleep deprivation show up during the day.

    "In kids, we see sometimes hyperactivity and behavioral problems more so than sleepiness like we might see in adults," explains Dr. Beth Malow.

     Tammi took part in a sleep study for kids with autism, and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. After her tonsils and adenoids were removed, her rest improved, and so did her daily life.

     "She was able to handle more demands, particularly social demands. She started initiating social activity more, uh, it was amazing," says McDaniel.

       The news inspires the Vanderbilt team to help more kids with autism. Dr. Malow says, "If we find another cause of their sleep disorder and focus on treating that, we can help them."

       It's help that's given Tammi and her family sweet dreams.

      Beyond surgery, another treatment called c-pap or continuous positive airway pressure is available to treat sleep apnea. It involves wearing a face mask that circulates air into the nose and mouth and keeps the airway open all night.

     About one out of every 150 babies in the U.S. has autism. The condition is believed to affect about 1.5 million Americans. 86 percent of children with autism have at least one sleep problem. Autistic children who have obstructive sleep apnea may have an improvement in some behavioral symptoms when they are treated for their sleep problem.