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Autism in Preschool-Aged Children: The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown

Cristiano Termine1,2, Vera Galli3,4, Linda Greta Dui5

  • 1Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Piazza Biroldi 19, 21100, Varese, Italy.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|August 4, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 lockdown significantly impacted children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), disrupting remote learning and worsening behaviors. Information access about the virus also affected these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Autism Research

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns disrupted essential services for children.
  • Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rely heavily on structured rehabilitation and educational activities, making them vulnerable to such disruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on preschool-aged children, with a specific focus on those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
  • To identify key areas affected by the lockdown, including remote learning, behavior, home environment, and health information access.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 315 preschool children, including 35 with ASD.
  • Data collected via questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, home environment, COVID-19 exposure, and pandemic-related variables.
  • Clinical features of autistic participants and changes in specific behaviors were examined.

Main Results:

  • The lockdown significantly affected remote learning, behavior changes, and access to information about the virus in children with ASD.
  • A notable worsening was observed in repetitive movements, echolalia, restricted interests, and aggressive behaviors among autistic participants.
  • Disruptions in rehabilitation and educational activities were key factors influencing these outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 lockdowns present unique challenges for children with autism spectrum disorder, exacerbating behavioral symptoms and impacting educational engagement.
  • Interventions and support systems need to be adapted to mitigate the negative effects of future disruptions on children with ASD.

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderBehaviour changesCOVID-19Infant mental healthLockdown

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