Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their families: a mixed-methods study protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge for everyone, particularly for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disorder characterised by limitations in social communication, repetitive behavioural patterns, and limited interests, and activities. It is expected that many families with children with ASD will experience more problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related public health restrictions. At the same time, some may experience improved functioning, due to fewer expectations and social demands.

Methods/design

In a mixed-method study to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents of children with ASD (ages 4-21) who were in care pre-COVID-19 at one of three large mental healthcare institutions in the r

SUBMITTER: Dekker L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8795917 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature