World Sleep 2022 | Pharmacotherapy for children with autism and sleep disorders

Beth Ann Malow, MD, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, discusses the benefit of behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy in children with autism and sleep disorders. Prof. Malow first outlines the importance of implementing behavioral interventions, such as reducing screen time and caffeine intake, in order to aid sleep disorders. When medication is required, it should be prescribed carefully and at a low dose to minimize side effects. To conclude, Prof. Malow discusses the benefit of combining both pharmacotherapy and behavioral sleep interventions for the best outcome, and the need for more studies to be conducted on newer and older medicines to improve treatment options for patients. This interview took place during the World Sleep Congress 2022 in Rome, Italy.