Ninety percent of individuals with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome have sleep disturbances, according to the results of a Stanford University study.

However, only 22 percent of them have had a formal sleep assessment, according to Jon Bernstein (above), associate professor of pediatrics (genetics) at The Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital. His findings were recently published in PubMed.gov, run by the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health.

Bernstein discussed his findings in July at the Phelan-McPosium, which was part of our International Conference in Orlando, Fla. (Watch his session here.)

Data was collected from 193 PMS caregivers who filled out two questionnaires: Children’s Sleep Habits and Parents’ Sleep Habits.

From his analysis of the answers, Bernstein concludes: “Routine screening for and evaluation of sleep disturbances in individuals with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome may have long-term positive impacts on the wellbeing of these individuals and their caregivers.”