Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), formerly known as sluggish cognitive tempo, has emerged as a distinct constellation of symptoms characterized by excessive daydreaming, mental confusion, and hypoactivity. Once considered a subset of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), research over the past several decades has demonstrated that CDS is empirically separable from ADHD and other psychopathologies, while also predicting unique patterns of functional impairment. Recent international consensus has adopted the CDS terminology to more accurately reflect the construct and reduce the stigma associated with its prior label. This presentation synthesizes the current state of CDS science, drawing on findings recently summarized by an international work group organized and led by Dr. Becker. Evidence to date highlights robust psychometric progress in CDS assessment, with a 15-item set consistently demonstrating structural validity across diverse populations. CDS is associated with socioemotional difficulties, academic underachievement, sleep disturbance, and heightened risk for depression and suicidality, underscoring its clinical relevance. Yet, many questions remain unanswered regarding its etiology, neurobiological underpinnings, developmental trajectory, and optimal placement within psychiatric nosology—as a disorder, diagnostic specifier, or transdiagnostic dimension. Looking forward, advancing CDS research requires methodological innovation, culturally diverse samples, longitudinal designs, and greater integration across cognitive, biological, and psychosocial domains. Participatory approaches that incorporate lived experience are also critical for refining measurement, guiding intervention, and ensuring the construct reflects those most affected. By charting these directions, the field can move beyond debates over nomenclature to establish a rigorous, collaborative science that supports recognition of CDS and improves outcomes for individuals who experience it.

Sleep plays a critical role in neurodevelopment, impacting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Disruptions in sleep and circadian function are commonly observed in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other learning and behavioral disorders. Understanding sleep disturbances in neurodevelopmental disorders requires a multifaceted approach that integrates multi-disciplinary perspectives. Future research should explore the intersection of circadian rhythms, sleep quality, and environmental factors in shaping neurodevelopmental outcomes, while randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate intervention efficacy. This symposium highlights the critical intersection between sleep and neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on sleep difficulties in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism, emphasizing the importance of targeting sleep disturbances to enhance developmental outcomes and improve overall well-being.