Description, Implementation Integrity, and Social Validity of a Computer-Assisted Sleep Monitoring System among Residential Care Providers of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Several subjective and direct methods have been used to measure and assess sleep patterns and problems among children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this paper, we describe the design, operating functions, and application of a computer-assisted system of sleep monitoring and data recording to improve measurement integrity of overnight care providers at a residential school. Descriptive and longitudinal evaluation conducted over a four-year evaluation period revealed that care providers averaged 91% implementation integrity with the system. A subsequent social validity assessment through survey questionnaire found that care providers uniformly rated the system as easy to learn, understand, and implement. We discuss the advantages of the system for sleep measurement and assessment of children and youth who have ASD and receive services in residential-care settings.