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Behavioral Changes During COVID-19 Omicron Variant Infection on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China

Fang Ye1, Xiaonan Hou1, Jie Chen1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Psychology Research and Behavior Management
|November 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 Omicron variant negatively impacted children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), worsening core features and challenging behaviors. Factors like infection and reduced activity contributed to these behavioral changes in autistic children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic and its variants have presented unique challenges to global populations, including vulnerable groups like children with ASD.
  • Understanding the specific impact of viral variants, such as Omicron, on the behavioral manifestations of ASD is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the behavioral changes in core Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) features and challenging behaviors among children during the COVID-19 Omicron wave in China.
  • To identify factors associated with the exacerbation of these behaviors during the specified period.

Main Methods:

  • An online survey was administered to 515 caregivers of children with ASD.
  • The survey collected data on sociodemographics, COVID-19 clinical features, core ASD features, challenging behaviors, and daily life alterations.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify factors associated with behavioral changes.

Main Results:

  • A significant proportion of children with ASD experienced worsening core features (22.9%) and challenging behaviors (37.1%) post-Omicron wave.
  • Frequently reported worsening behaviors included sleep disorders, eating problems, and inattentive symptoms.
  • Factors linked to worsened core ASD features included Omicron infection, reduced outdoor activity, and lower caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
  • Worsened challenging behaviors were associated with Omicron infection, less frequent rehabilitation, and lower caregiver HRQoL.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 Omicron variant significantly impacted the behavior of children with ASD.
  • Behavioral changes in core ASD features and challenging behaviors were distinct and influenced by COVID-19 infection and other environmental and caregiver-related factors.
  • These findings highlight the need for continued support and tailored strategies for children with ASD during public health crises.
Abstract

Keywords:
autism spectrum disorderbehavior worseningchallenging behaviorcore featureinfection

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