Structured Physical Activity Improves Sleep and Cognition in Autistic Children
TL;DR
A 10-12 week physical activity program improved executive function and reduced sleep fragmentation in children aged 10-14 with high-functioning ASD, based on actigraphy and cognitive testing.
Background
Children with ASD frequently exhibit atypical cognitive profiles, sensory processing challenges, and sleep disturbances (affecting 40-80%). Non-pharmacological interventions for sleep in this population are urgently needed.
Key Findings
Sixteen children (10-14 years) with high-functioning ASD completed a 10-12 week structured physical activity program. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included:
- Executive function: Significant improvement on BRIEF (parent-reported), supported by objective gains on CANTAB Stockings of Cambridge task
- Sensory processing: Improvements on the Child Sensory Profile
- Sleep quality: Actigraphy showed reduced fragmentation index (more consolidated sleep)
Why It Matters
Physical activity offers a low-risk, accessible approach that may simultaneously benefit cognition, sensory processing, and sleep -- areas often treated separately in ASD.
Reference
Improved executive function and sleep quality in preteens with high-functioning autism following a structured physical activity program. Frontiers in Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1726809 | PMID: 41918789