Maria Flavia Fichera

Dr. Maria Flavia Fichera

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
13 September 2025 in Brain Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMaria Ludovica Albertini
Maria Ludovica Albertini
GSGiulia Spoto
Giulia Spoto
GCGraziana Ceraolo
Graziana Ceraolo
MFMaria Flavia Fichera
Maria Flavia Fichera
CCCarla Consoli
Carla Consoli
GDGabriella D'Angelo
Gabriella D'Angelo
Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), profoundly impacting their neurodevelopment and daily functioning. Alterations in sleep architecture and regulatory mechanisms contribute to difficulties with sleep onset, maintenance, and overall sleep quality. Sensory processing differences, commonly observed in ASD, may further exacerbate these disturbances by affecting arousal regulation and environmental responsiveness during sleep. Given the fundamental role of sleep in brain maturation, its disruption negatively impacts synaptic plasticity and neurological development, particularly during critical periods. These sleep-related alterations can influence cognitive and behavioral outcomes and may serve as early indicators of ASD, highlighting their potential value in early diagnosis and intervention. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms linking sleep and ASD is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies. Ongoing research increasingly focuses on pharmacological, nutraceutical, and behavioral interventions aimed at mitigating sleep disorders and their cascading effects on neurodevelopment. Optimizing these therapeutic approaches through a multidisciplinary lens is crucial for enhancing clinical outcomes and improving overall quality of life in children with ASD.