Melatonin for Sleep in Children With Autism

Inclusion Criteria: * Children with autism ages 4-10 years. * Diagnosis of autism based on Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). * Time to fall asleep of 30 minutes or longer by parent report at least 3 nights/week in the last 3 months. * Children may take seasonal allergy medications. * Children may take the following medications for the same dose at least 3 months: Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall), Atomoxetine (Strattera), Methylphenidate(Ritalin), Dextroamphetamine(Dexedrine), Risperidone (Risperdal. Exclusion Criteria: * Children taking medications other than those in the inclusion criteria. * Children with primary sleep disorder other than insomnia (such as sleep-disordered breathing). * Children with non-febrile unprovoked epileptic seizure within the last two years. * Children with liver disease or high fat diets, as melatonin metabolism may be affected in these children. * Children who are visually impaired (partially or completely blind) as light suppresses melatonin synthesis and these children may have altered diurnal melatonin rhythms. * Children with known genetic syndromes co-morbid with autism including fragile X, Down syndrome, neurofibromatosis, or tuberous sclerosis. * Children who have outside normal limits on blood work for complete blood count, liver and renal function and hormone levels of ACTH, cortisol, LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone and estradiol. * Tanner staging beyond level 1 at any time point in the study. * Children whose assessment score does not place them on the autism spectrum.