Trial of Zolpidem for Sleep in Children With Autism

This study is testing whether zolpidem (a sleep medication) can improve sleep in children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have significant sleep problems. Sleep difficulties are extremely common in autism and can worsen behavior, learning, and family quality of life. You may be eligible if: - Your child is between 8 and 17 years old (12-17 during the first year of the study) - Your child has a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder - Your child has clinically significant sleep problems (confirmed by questionnaire and sleep study or actigraphy) - Medications have been stable for at least 2 weeks (or 4 weeks for Prozac) You may NOT be eligible if: - Your child has active suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia, or a severe substance use disorder - Your child has unstable medical conditions such as seizure disorder, serious liver, kidney, or heart problems - Your child is pregnant or sexually active without reliable contraception - Your child is taking benzodiazepines, certain antiepileptics, antidepressants, melatonin, or medications that interact with zolpidem - Your child has a history of severe side effects or an adequate prior trial of zolpidem Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.