Autistic Spectrum Disorder in the Context of Pandemic by Covid-19: Caring for Children and Caregivers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought important challenges to society and families, with repercussions on child behavior and development with special importance for children with neurodevelopmental disorders that affect and impair the child’s functionality: Autism spectrum disorder. Thus, we set as objective to Identify and analyze the scientific evidence of interventions performed on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the context of a Covid-19 pandemic. A search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, CINHAL databases and gray literature. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (EAP) may become more anxious, agitated and unregulated with the change in routines to which they are subjected in this phase of the Covid 19 pandemic. Autism disorders affect communication, social interaction and behavior, usually with a tendency to be repetitive and routine, but in a scenario of pandemic and social isolation, anxiety and agitation may be more pronounced and, in more severe cases, there may be less capacity to function. It is important that the family of the child with ASD propose cooperative activities or resources that they have at home and that can be adapted. The insertion of some tasks contributes to the establishment of the ability to play independently. In it, the child gets involved independently. And so it prevents negative behaviors from occurring due to leisure and the need for attention, also favoring concentration.

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown in Malaysia: An Examination of the Psychological Well-Being of Parent-Child Dyads and Child Behavior in Families With Children on the Autism Spectrum

“…However, some studies reported contradictory findings where children on the autism spectrum did not display any change in behaviors and psychological outcomes during the lockdown (25), or even displayed marginal improvement in emotional moods and psychopathological dimensions (68) during the pandemic. Individuals on the autism spectrum may be more comfortable at home without the academic and social requirements in school, thus having lower levels of stress during home confinement (17,26,64).…”

The impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families in Tripoli, Libya

“…The effect of the COVID-19 can be even more worrisome in children suffering from autism spectrum disorders. Sudden changes in daily routine have after-effects and can potentiate existing symptoms, increasing the risk of emotional, behavioural and relationship complications [9]. Many autistic people do want friends and to be around other people.…”

Exploring Educators’ Views on the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic in the Development of Children under the Age of 3

“…Obviously, these new life circumstances have a deeper impact on the physical and mental health of people of all ages. Several researchers (e.g., Vilelas, 2021;Baweja, 2021;Patel, 2020;Polizi et al, 2020;Schnell & Krampe, 2020;Casagrande et al Kim et al, 2020) refer to the impacts on individuals (adults and children) and their long-term consequences. For example, feelings of powerlessness, health insecurity, economic and job insecurity, stressful experiences, adverse psychological effects, reduced productivity and self-efficacy, frustration, anger, loneliness, constant fear of illness, fear of interacting with other people, sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal problems are just some of the adverse effects that people may experience during the pandemic.…”