Psychometric Properties of the Simons Simplex Collection Sleep Interview

Background and Purpose: An estimated 40%–80% of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have sleep problems. The Simons Simplex Collection Sleep Interview (SSCSI) is a parent-report questionnaire assessing bedtime and nighttime sleep problems and daytime function. The present study evaluated the factorial model of the SSCSI that best characterizes children aged 4–18 years with ASD. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis was performed using principal component analysis and promax rotation, beginning with 16 items and ending with 10 items. Results: Exploratory factor analysis concluded with ten dichotomous items, plus ageand regular sleep duration, in three factors: nighttime problems, daytime problems, andsleep duration problems. The analysis was performed on the full sample, and onprepubertal (4–8-years), pubertal (9–13-years), and postpubertal (14–18-years) subgroups. Conclusion: Further refinement, including confirmatory factor analysis, test–retest reliability, and convergent validity testing, is needed.