School exercise program aims to solve sleep struggles in autistic kids
NCT ID NCT07277101
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested a 16-week sensory-friendly physical activity program for autistic children aged 7-12 in special education schools. The program included predictable routines and calming cool-downs to help with sleep. Researchers measured sleep quality using wrist monitors and parent reports. The goal is to find a practical, school-based way to improve sleep without specialist clinics.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Sensory-friendly physical activity program
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, school-based way to help autistic children sleep better without medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed trial with 106 children in China, so results may not apply to all autistic children. The program is behavioural, so benefits may be modest and depend on consistent delivery.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Shanghai University of Sport, School of Physical Education and Training
Shanghai, 200438, China
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