Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
Increased Hyperactivity with Decreased Parental Perceived Social Support Among Turkish Children with Autism Spectrum
İlyas Kaya1, Ali Karayagmurlu1, Süreyyanur Kitapçıoğlu2
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Objective:
The aim of the present study is to investigate the change in emotional/behavioral problems of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the perceived social support of parents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Methods:
A total of 51 children with ASD aged between 6 and 18 years took part in the study. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used to evaluate ASD symptoms, emotional/behavioral problems, and perceived social support, respectively. The cases were assessed before and 6 months after the pandemic.
Results:
Our findings indicated that after the onset of the pandemic hyperactivity scores of children with ASD increased, whereas perceived social support of their parents decreased, compared to their pre-pandemic levels (P-value < .05). The increase in hyperactivity and irritability levels among children were positively associated with the presence of a chronic illness in the family and medication discontinuation (P-value < .05).
Conclusion:
Quarantine in the COVID-19 pandemic may cause or worsen behavioral problems among children with ASD possibly due to problems related to poor medication adherence and lowered perceived social support among their parents. Clinicians working with children with special needs may be pro-active to assess and manage emotional/behavioral problems among this special population particularly during difficult times such as pandemic.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Social Anxiety Disorder
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

