Abstract
This article describes clinical experiences of therapists with autistic clients during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic while engaged in remote intervention in Canada. The authors polled their team of mental health clinicians through an email questionnaire and infused their own practice experiences to summarize mental health themes, and adaptation to technology-based intervention. Clinicians shared responses to the pandemic and reported on their transition to remote intervention.
Highlights
By mid-March of 2020, the COVID-19 virus resulted in province-mandated closures of non-essential services shifting therapeutic interventions to videoconferencing or phone sessions
The Redpath Centre is the largest private mental health organization in Ontario specializing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan
Coupled with the recent statistic that 41% of adults with autism reported a disruption to their services or therapies since the emergence of COVID-19 (Chung, 2020), this population is at risk for intensified mental health issues and increased isolation
Summary
By mid-March of 2020, the COVID-19 virus resulted in province-mandated closures of non-essential services shifting therapeutic interventions to videoconferencing or phone sessions. Already be socially isolated (Orsmond et al, 2013) and live with co-existing mental health issues prior to the emergence of COVID-19 (Cage et al, 2018). In understanding many autistic individuals have co-occurring mental health issues (Attwood, 2007; Cage et al, 2018; Ghaziuddin et al, 2002; Stoddart et al, 2013), this population may be vulnerable during the pandemic.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
