Families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Experiences during First COVID-19 Lockdown in Chile

Abstract

The lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic brought a series of events that affected individuals, mostly related to mental health issues such as increased alcohol consumption, increased domestic violence and the emergence of psychiatric disorders. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are particularly vulnerable, their routines were interrupted and professional help changed in this period. These situations were difficult to handle and adapt for children and their family. This qualitative cross-sectional exploratory study examined the experience of families with ASD children who are enrolled in an ASD outpatient clinical university center in Chile during the first lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty individual semi-structured interviews recorded by video call were carried out by mental health professionals to parents of ASD children aged between 2 to 18 years old and were transcribed verbatim. Using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis results display heterogeneity in the responses, with main themes related to: Information given, family changes, emotional/conductual changes in ASD children and relationship with social services. There was a balance between positive and negative perceptions. Several external family stressors increased while others disappeared during the lockdown. Both aspects should be taken into account developing more accurate services for ASD patients and their families.