Glossary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The diagnosis of ASD is characterized by atypical socio-communicative behaviors. Some also exhibit repetitive behaviors, differences in cognitive flexibility, deep interests to specific topics at high intensity, and differences in sensory perception. 

ACTH Stimulation: A test that measures how well adrenal glands in the body respond to the ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which is produced by the pituitary gland. ACTH signals adrenal glands to release cortisol, which is a stress hormone. 

Bedtime Resistance: A behavioral phenomenon manifesting as refusing to go to bed, stalling, or requiring a parent’s presence at sleep onset.

Cortisol: A steroid hormone produced by adrenal glands in response to stress, in which if there is too much cortisol, this can affect sleep. 

Hyperarousal: Anxiety or discomfort that autistic children may develop in an over-stimulating environment which can lead to social situation avoidance. 

Insomnia: A general term describing having difficulty falling asleep which can be caused by underlying medical conditions; a common cause of sleeping challenges in autistic individuals

Night Awakenings: The time individuals spend awake after sleep onset and before sleep offset. Night awakenings reference the number of complete awakenings occurring after sleep initiation.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder common in autistic individuals. Individuals with OSA can have a wide range of symptoms, including snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and overall fatigue. The effects of OSA can cause the challenges autistic individuals face to be more difficult. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A disorder in which someone has anxiety triggered after a traumatic event which bring the person uncomfortable memories or stress as if they are reliving the traumatic event. 

Rapid eye movement (REM) cycle: An important stage of a sleeping cycle where most dreams occur; a restorative part of sleep which can be lessened if people experience sleeping challenges, which can lead to fatigue during the daytime. 

Sleep Continuity: The amount of consolidated sleep attained over a sleep period.

Sleep Efficiency: The percentage of time spent asleep while in bed (including time in bed while falling asleep and time between waking and arising from bed).

Sleep Onset Latency: The amount of time from the lights turned off until the onset of any sleep stage.