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
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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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