El estudio piloto de apagado: un nuevo protocolo de manipulación a la hora de acostarse

All participants will engage in a 2-week pilot intervention trial with baseline and post-intervention testing.

The Power Down is a bedtime manipulation protocol targeting elevated arousal level at bedtime due to a hypothesized effect of sensory over-responsivity (a common experience for autistic children). The Power Down incorporates sensory-based tools (gentle tactile pressure and auditory cues) to support nervous system regulation prior to attempting sleep onset. Participants (caregivers and their child) will be educated in the Power Down protocol and data collection methods for the 2 week intervention trial. Caregivers will lead a nightly gentle massage with guided relaxation script just prior to the child trying to fall asleep. The child will also wear a watch-like activity monitor (ActiGraph GT9x) for the 2 week period throughout the day and night to measure changes in sleep and activity patterns. Caregivers will complete daily diary questions in the morning and evening reporting their child's emotions and sleep timing.

We will use recruitment rates as one of our primary measure of feasibility of this protocol. Benchmark include: Recruitment rates: >2 caregiver-child dyads enrolled per month

We will use retention rates as one of our primary measure of feasibility of this protocol. Benchmarks include: Retention rates: >80% of consented dyads will complete at least 10 nights of the Power Down during the 2 week intervention trial.

During the exit interview, caregivers will be asked "Is this intervention an acceptable option for families who are experiencing bedtime difficulties" as a primary measure of acceptability. >80% of enrolled participants who completed at least 4 days of the Power Down manipulation will report that the intervention is an acceptable option for families like theirs who are experiencing bedtime difficulties (question on post-intervention questions).

As a secondary measure of feasibility, caregiver reported rates of treatment adherence will be measured. Caregivers will report completing the Power Down massage at least 10/14 nights during the 2 week intervention.

We will measure completion rates of questionnaires as a secondary measure of feasibility.

Benchmark:

>75% of questionnaires will be completed

We will measure completion rates of the number of daily diaries completed as a secondary measure of feasibility.

Benchmark: >75% of daily diaries will be completed

We will measure the amount of days/nights children wore the actigraphy watch as a secondary measure of feasibility.

Benchmarks: Children will tolerate wearing watch for at least 10/14 nights (6+ hours during their reported sleeping times)

We will gather information about the caregiver's perceived credibility (questions 1-3, Set 1) and expectations (question 4 Set 1, questions 1-2 Set 2) related to the intervention at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Each question is rated on a 9-point scale, with 1 being "do not agree at all" and 9 being "strongly agree).

Benchmark:

At both baseline and post-intervention, caregivers will rate the intervention an average of 6 (on a 9 point scale) for both credibility and expectations, indicating more than somewhat confident.