0919 SLEEP DISTURBANCES MODIFY THE IMPACT OF WORKING MEMORY DEFICITS ON LEARNING PROBLEMS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Less is known, however, about the relationship between sleep disturbances and cognitive functioning on learning difficulties in this population, with no studies to date reporting specifically on this association in adolescents with high-functioning ASD (HF-ASD). Methods: Adolescents diagnosed with HF-ASD (N=96) at Penn State Hershey Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic were evaluated to determine the relationship between parent-reported sleep disturbances (defined as a clinically elevated T score >=65 on the Pediatric Behavior Scale [PBS] sleep problems subscale) and objective measures of working memory (as measured by the WISC Working Memory Index) on parent-reported learning problems (as measured by T scores on the PBS school problems subscale [i.e., learning difficulties, disorganized schoolwork, low grades]). Linear regression analysis tested main effects and interaction effects between working memory and sleep disturbances on learning problems. Results: A significant interaction (p