Abstract
The present study focuses on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) transmission prevention measures and, in particular, home confinement of families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Greece. It is assumed that the implemented new measures during the pandemic constitute a profound change for children on the spectrum, considering that the core ASD symptoms include the persistence and adherence to routine and stability, a condition that also directly affects the children’s parents. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Participants were 10 caregivers with a child diagnosed with ASD of medium or high functioning in Greece. The ages of the children range from 6.5 to 15 years old. The results of the thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (1) the educational framework, (2) the management of daily life, and (3) the construction of the new daily routine. These three themes represent the levels that have undergone a decisive transition, and the sub-themes recommend the areas, individual ways of dealing with this shift. So far, the impact of the pandemic mitigation measures cannot be described as generally positive or negative, as there have been advances and setbacks for children and families alike. Finally, governmental measures and technology-assisted teaching (distance learning) were considered necessary but not sufficient enough for full adaptation.
Highlights
The unprecedented social and political condition of the widespread of the SARS-CoV19 virus has prompted governments worldwide to impose strict social distancing and home containment measures on a broad social scale [1], causing significant emotional and behavioral consequences on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
The thematic analysis resulted in three main themes and 12 sub-themes, which are related to the levels and mode/point of change experienced by families of children with ASD
SUB-TH3 is a common thread across all themes as they are at the heart of the unprecedented condition of the pandemic
Summary
The unprecedented social and political condition of the widespread of the SARS-CoV19 virus has prompted governments worldwide to impose strict social distancing and home containment measures on a broad social scale [1], causing significant emotional and behavioral consequences on children with ASD. The main symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include a particular sensitivity to change and persistence in specific routines and interests with a multitude/plethora of behavioral acts [2], a condition that, along with comorbidity, produces a challenge in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall increase in the rate seems to be related to the intensified research interest in recent years and modifications in clinical features that have highlighted autism as more prevalent than other known and widely diagnosed diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease [6]. The first large-scale survey in Greece recorded a prevalence rate of 1.15% and a 4.14:1 boys/girls ratio [10], which according to Looms et al [11] is 3:1
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.
