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    Synchronisation of circadian timing in families and the impact of autism: a scoping review


    Brennan, Aoife, Wyse, Cathy, Vasconcelos, Mailton, Rudderham, Laura, Gallagher, Louise and Lopez, Lorna M. (2026) Synchronisation of circadian timing in families and the impact of autism: a scoping review. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 18 (1). ISSN 1866-1955

    Abstract

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by altered social communication, repetitive behaviours and restricted interests. Emerging evidence suggests that disrupted circadian timing mechanisms may be associated with certain traits of autism, such as sleep difficulties and behavioural dysregulation. Circadian rhythms are primarily entrained by the light–dark cycle but are also shaped by social cues, including synchronisation with the circadian rhythms of family members. Despite growing interest in circadian biology and autism, little is known about how circadian synchrony functions within families that include autistic children. This scoping review synthesises findings on circadian timing in families with autistic and non-autistic children. A systematic search of four databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) yielded 2,423 results, of which 25 met inclusion criteria. An additional 17 studies were identified through handsearching. The final dataset comprised 42 studies, which were organised into a narrative synthesis and thematic analysis. Six studies focused on sleep synchrony in families with autistic children, while the remaining 36 studies examined circadian biomarkers (n = 5), activity rhythms (n = 12), and sleep synchrony (n = 19) in families with non-autistic children. Findings revealed evidence of circadian synchrony in both groups, with family members displaying aligned sleep–wake patterns and daily activity rhythms. However, studies involving autistic families were relatively limited, and the mechanisms underlying circadian synchrony remain poorly understood. While this review highlights emerging insights into circadian synchrony in families, significant gaps in the literature remain. Research in autistic families is particularly scarce, and there is a need for longitudinal and experimental studies to better understand the interplay between genetic, environmental and social factors. Further research should explore whether disrupted circadian synchrony contributes to the neurobiology of autism or its associated traits, such as sleep difficulties and behavioural dysregulation. Addressing these gaps could inform targeted interventions to improve sleep and overall well-being in autistic children and their families.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Autism; Sleep Synchrony; Family; Circadian Rhythm Disruption; Scoping Review;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology
    Item ID: 21430
    Identification Number: 10.1186/s11689-026-09679-z
    Depositing User: Lorna Lopez
    Date Deposited: 14 Apr 2026 15:55
    Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
    Publisher: BioMed Central
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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