Life In Adolescents Research Articles

Exploring the relationship between mental health status and life events in children and adolescents: the role of mediating factors

BackgroundThe mental health status of children and adolescents is significantly influenced by negative life events, yet there is a lack of comprehensive analysis on mediating factors. This study aims to examine the relationship between negative life events and symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents, as well as to identify potential mediating factors.MethodsIn May 2022, cluster-randomized sampling was used to select 8041 primary, middle, and high school students in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, for the final analysis. The Adolescent Life Events Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale were employed to assess negative life events, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were utilized to identify risk factors, and the Bootstrap method was applied for mediation analysis.ResultsThe study revealed that 80.52% of children and adolescents experienced negative life events, with 23.38% reporting anxiety symptoms and 42.57% reporting depressive symptoms. Significant positive correlations were observed between negative life events and anxiety symptoms (r = 0.32, p < 0.001), as well as depressive symptoms (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis further demonstrated that anxiety and depressive symptoms acted as mutual mediators in the relationship between negative life events and each other.ConclusionsThis study underscores the complex interplay between anxiety, depression, and negative life events in children and adolescents. These findings can inform strategies to help mitigate the emotional impact of negative life events, enhance mental health, and provide a scientific basis for developing effective interventions.

Functionality and Quality of Life Within the Speech-Language Pathology Assessment Context: Analysis From the Structural Equation Modeling Perspective.

Quality of life and functionality are relevant in an approach based on the biopsychosocial model. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of clinical, sociodemographic, and functionality aspects on the quality of life of children and adolescents undergoing speech-language evaluation. Cross-sectional analytical observational study conducted with 84 Brazilian children and adolescents. The Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0™ were applied, and data were collected on sex, complaints, SPL diagnostic hypothesis, as well as on the Body Functions, Activities and Participation, and Environmental Factors components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis, with a 5% significance level applied to the final models. Male sex and clinical-care variables had a direct and negative influence on functionality in the first two models (p < 0.05). Activities and Participation had a positive direct effect on self-reported quality of life (p = 0.031; β = 0.282) and parent/caregiver-reported quality of life (p = 0.003; β = 0.387). Parent-reported quality of life was negatively influenced by complaints of oro-facial motricity alterations, while self-reported quality of life was positively influenced by the diagnostic hypothesis of speech disorders. The results show that sex and clinical-care complaints negatively influenced functionality, while Activities and Participation positively influenced quality of life. The use of structural equation modeling proved to be an important strategy for analyzing ICF and quality of life in SLP practice.

Early transition markers, opportunities, and limitations that define pathways into the labour market from adolescence to adulthood in South Africa

AbstractMotivationThe transition from adolescence to adulthood encompasses key social changes. NEET status (Not in Education, Employment or Training) during this period disrupts this transition and alters an adolescent's life course. This is of particular concern in South Africa, a middle‐income country with one of the world's highest rates of youth unemployment.PurposeThe pathway to becoming NEET emerges over time by accumulating risks in early life and adolescence. Early‐life adversities can increase the probability of events associated with becoming NEET. We aim to identify early‐life and adolescent predictors of events associated with becoming NEET, as well as predictors of NEET status itself.Methods and approachWe analyse four rounds of longitudinal data from a sample of 1,174 adolescents growing up in peri‐urban KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Using a socioecological life‐course model, we create two overlapping analytic cohorts and two NEET vulnerability indices to evaluate whether risks for vulnerability in schooling (early outcomes) are similar to those affecting post‐schooling education and labour‐market outcomes (later outcomes). We use a linear probability model to analyse the relationship between the vulnerability indices and the range of risk factors in the socioecological life‐course model.FindingsA strong predictor of both NEET vulnerability indices includes reporting feeling hopeless about the future. Other significant predictors include behavioural factors (getting pregnant or impregnating someone during adolescence, and drinking alcohol before age 16), family structure (residing with one's biological mother in early adolescence was protective) and demographics (age).Policy implicationsBy deepening our understanding of how individual and contextual characteristics shape the transition into productive adulthood through a life‐course approach, we can identify possible early intervention points lost once young people become NEET.

Preliminary validation of a diary approach to monitor daily adolescent and parental predictors of post-operative recovery - A longitudinal diary study in adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

About one in five adolescents undergoing major surgery develops chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP). Various risk and resilience factors for recovery and CPSP have been identified, including parental processes. However, research commonly relies on nomothetic data, while the psychometric properties of diaries assessing pediatric post-surgical recovery in everyday life are understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the preliminary reliability, validity, and variability of diary data in adolescents, and their parents, after spinal fusion surgery. Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) undergoing spinal fusion surgery, and their parents, were asked to complete daily diaries for seven consecutive days at five time points, i.e., before surgery (T0), at 3-week (T1), 6-week (T2), 6-month (T3) and 12-month (T4) post-surgery. Diaries were developed based on validated questionnaires measuring relevant constructs of pediatric post-surgical recovery. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent, divergent and concurrent criterion validity, and variability were examined. The sample comprised n=95 adolescents and n=95 parents. Overall compliance rate was approximately 80 % in both adolescents and parents, with a total of 5282 diary entries analysed. Internal consistency for multi-item variables ranged from good to excellent (α=.82-.93) for adolescent data and acceptable to excellent (α=.74-.93) for parent data. All test-retest correlations were significant, and large (ρ=.60-.76) for adolescent data, and medium to large for parent data (ρ=.57-.80). Regarding validity, all but three correlations between diary variables were significant. Furthermore, diary variables generally correlated significantly with corresponding questionnaire data. Variability was low in some variables. The results provide the first evidence for the psychometric properties, with regard to reliability, validity and variability, for diary measures to monitor processes of post-surgical recovery in everyday life in adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery. However, replication is suggested, for refinement and further validation, with particular attention to variability and evaluation of sensitivity to change.

Quality of life of migalastat-treated adolescents with Fabry disease: Results from the ASPIRE study and open-label extension

Quality of life of migalastat-treated adolescents with Fabry disease: Results from the ASPIRE study and open-label extension

Navigating Taboo: Exposure of Arab Adolescents to Sexual Content in Computer Games

Computer games, particularly those featuring violent and sexual content like GTA, have become integral to the lives of adolescents. While numerous studies have explored the impact of violent content in video games, there is a notable dearth of research on exposure to sexual content, especially in conservative Arab societies where discussions on sexuality remain taboo. This qualitative study addresses this gap by investigating the experiences of 17 Arab adolescents exposed to sexual content in GTA through in-depth interviews. The findings reveal a complex relationship with such content, marked by enjoyment alongside feelings of guilt due to societal prohibitions. Participants identified the game as a unique space for learning about sexuality, expressing a desire for sex education in schools. The study highlights the need for open discourse, particularly in schools, to address sex education and navigate the challenges posed by sexually explicit computer games in the context of conservative Arab Israeli community.

Impact of social media on triggering nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents: a comparative ambulatory assessment study

BackgroundNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a prevalent and concerning behavior among adolescents, often triggered by negative interpersonal events. As social media is essential in the daily life of adolescents, gaining a better understanding of the impact of negative online events on NSSI urges and behaviors, distinct from that of real-life events, is warranted.MethodsWe recruited 25 adolescents with a history of NSSI and 25 healthy controls. Participants reported on their stress, affect, and NSSI urges four times daily over seven days using ambulatory assessment. We examined the immediate effects of negative events in real-life and on social media on these psychological outcomes.ResultsIn adolescents who engage in NSSI, negative events on social media were positively associated with perceived stress, negative affect, and NSSI urges to a greater extent than real-life negative events. However, NSSI events during the sampling period were mostly triggered by real-life events. While the frequency of social media use was generally similar between groups, those with NSSI reported experiencing more negative events on social media.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the significant impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents who engage in NSSI, possibly exacerbating stress and negative affect more than real-life events. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing online interactions to mitigate NSSI behaviors and improve adolescent mental health.Trial registrationThis study has been registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00025905, https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00025905).

Direct and indirect relationships between Food Parental Practices, diet quality, and food satisfaction in adolescents

IntroductionThe relationship between four parental feeding practices from the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire for adolescents (CFPQ-Teen) and Satisfaction With Food-related Life (SWFoL) in adolescents was evaluated using diet quality measured using the Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) as a mediating variable.MethodsParticipants were 860 adolescents aged 10–16 years of both sexes who responded to four factors on the CFPQ-Teen, food satisfaction scale, and diet quality index. Structural equation analysis was used in a structural mediation model on a polychoric correlation matrix using the weighted least squares mean-variance adjusted (WLSMV) method.ResultsDiet quality was a mediating factor in the interaction between two parental practices related to parental modeling and adolescent control over SWFoL. There was evidence of a direct relationship between monitoring and restrictive factors for weight control and SWFoL.ConclusionsThe findings indicated that the association between parental feeding practices and food satisfaction may be direct or mediated by diet quality in adolescents.

The influence of community-level digital health interventions by peer educators on HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents: A scoping review

Timely identification of HIV is crucial for mitigating transmission and enhancing treatment efficacy. Information and communication technology and digital media advancement have become integral to adolescent's daily lives. Platforms, including social media, instant messaging applications, and websites, offer novel avenues for disseminating health information, particularly on HIV/AIDS prevention. The peer educator model and digital media provide more interactive, personalized, and targeted dissemination of health messages. This study encompasses original research published in English, adhering to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses) guidelines. The search utilized Scopus, Science Direct, Pubmed, Medline, and Google Scholar data, covering selected publications from 2019 to 2024 during the last five years. The most notable rise transpired among the youngest demographic, specifically those aged 13 to 14, with an average knowledge increase of about 18%. Adolescents exposed to sexual and reproductive health education via peer discussion groups possessed superior awareness about HIV compared to those who were not exposed. Enhanced comprehension among students in the intervention group of HIV/AIDS, its transmission, and prevention methods. The control group students' knowledge did not improve during the post-test. The extent of peer educator engagement in HIV/AIDS knowledge among adolescents who received digital media intervention showed a significant increase of 1.90 times relative to the group that did not get such intervention (p&lt;0.00001). The digital media intervention markedly enhanced peer educator engagement in HIV/AIDS awareness among adolescents. Digital media-based HIV screening initiatives are essential to improve access to HIV/AIDS information services.

Pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria of PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine-metabolic syndrome mainly characterized by ovarian dysfunction, which is only one manifestation of a more complex syndrome with a significant systemic impact. We review scientific literature on the pathophysiology and diagnosis of PCOS evaluating the most relevant data from original articles, reviews and meta-analyses published until June 2024. From a pathophysiological point of view, the concurrence of both metabolic aspects, such as insulin resistance and obesity, and hormonal alterations, such as hyperandrogenemia, might produce the most relevant clinical signs and/symptoms of this syndrome, for instance menstrual irregularities, hair loss, acne and hirsutism. In the latest years, many pieces of evidence highlighted the importance of family history and genetics in the development of the syndrome during adolescence and adult life. According to the available data, hypovitaminosis D could play a detrimental role in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of PCOS. PCOS is a challenging endocrine and metabolic dysfunction, due to its different expression among women and to the difficulty in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. The most appropriate approach to women affected by PCOS should involve a multi-step strategy, taking into account the characteristics of each patient, in order to identify the best non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic approach to manage both short- and medium-, and long-term sequelae.

Adolescent girls’ experiences of online gender-based violence: a case study from Nepal

Drawing on 82 interviews conducted between 2019 and 2022 with adolescent girl students in two of Nepal’s largest cities, Kathmandu and Pokhara, this article asks: How do young women in urban Nepal articulate their experiences of being online, particularly in regard to navigating online gender-based violence (GBV)? Information and communication technologies such as smartphones and social media are a large part of daily life for adolescents in Nepal. Being online and using social media is not a gender neutral experience and various forms of gendered abuse have the capacity to inflict real harm. However, most scholarship on adolescent experiences online is concentrated in the global North, leaving many unanswered questions about parallel and divergent experiences in the global South. Here, we attempt to address this gap in the literature through an exploration of the important perspectives of young women in Nepal. We engage with Foucault’s concept of disciplinary power as a useful lens for thinking through girls’ experiences of being online and navigating digital GBV. In the findings section, we present key themes that emerged from student interviews including; online spaces as places of gendered danger, managing the presentation of the self while online, and social media as an awareness raising tool around issues of gendered violence. Finally, based on the findings, the conclusion posits potential policy implications and new directions in research.

Relationship Between Stressful Life Events and Depression Among Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Subcomponents of Executive Function

Stressful life events are important risk factors in the development of adolescent depression. Executive function is significant in the stress–depression link. However, it is not clear whether there is a specific effect for subcomponents of executive function (working memory, inhibition, and shifting). Therefore, the present study recruited 213 adolescents (mean age (Mage) = 15.19 years, SD = 1.27, range = 12.00–18.00 years, and 53.00% girls) and measured their perceived stress using the questionnaire of the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, working memory ability by two-back tasks, inhibition ability by Stroop tasks, and shifting ability by Wisconsin Card-Sorting tasks. Results showed that stressful life events positively correlated with adolescents’ depression, while stressful life events negatively linked with working memory and inhibition. Depression was negatively associated with working memory and inhibition. No significant correlation was found between shifting and either stressful life events or depression. Mediation analyses revealed that working memory and inhibition mediated the link between stressful life events and adolescent depression, while shifting did not show a mediating effect. Our findings provide further evidence for the precise effect of executive function in the stress–depression link, implicating that different subcomponents should be considered to provide targeted intervention to alleviate adolescents’ depressive symptoms.

Quality of life in adolescents aged 13–17 years with amelogenesis imperfecta

Relevance. The quality of life in children aged 13–17 years with amelogenesis imperfecta is a significant medical and social concern in modern dentistry. This issue is particularly important due to several key factors. Firstly, amelogenesis imperfecta is a rare hereditary condition that severely affects enamel formation and development, resulting in considerable functional and aesthetic impairments. Secondly, adolescence, particularly between the ages of 13 and 17, is a critical period for self-esteem development, intensified interpersonal interactions, and an increased emphasis on appearance in social adaptation. Thirdly, while modern dentistry provides various treatment options for amelogenesis imperfecta, their impact on the quality of life of adolescent patients has not been sufficiently studied.Materials and methods. The study was conducted through the synthesis of clinical case data reported in publications and the practical experience of pediatric dentists at the V. F. Voyno-Yasenetsky Scientific and Practical Center for Specialized Medical Care for Children under the Moscow City Health Department. A total of 120 children were examined.Results. Children with amelogenesis imperfecta often encounter significant social and psychological challenges, including difficulties in peer communication and the risk of social isolation. Managing such patients requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond oral health care to include psychological support. The primary objectives of therapy are to preserve the teeth, restore their function, and improve aesthetics. Emphasis should be placed on maintaining oral hygiene through the use of specialized products and techniques. It is essential to consider each child's individual characteristics and address potential psychological barriers to treatment. Effective rehabilitation can greatly enhance the quality of life for these young patients and support their social integration.Conclusion. The conducted study has revealed a significant impact of this condition on the physical, psychological, and social well-being of patients. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive treatment approach that incorporates not only oral rehabilitation but also psychological support. Such an integrated approach can enhance the effectiveness of therapy and improve the quality of life of adolescents with amelogenesis imperfecta.

The Development and Psychometric Properties of Malay Language Child Oral Health Impact Profile—Short Form 19 (ML COHIP-SF 19)

Background/Objectives: The Child Oral Health Impact Profile—Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF 19) is widely used to measure the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and adolescents. The current study aimed to validate the Malay language version of the COHIP-SF19 (ML COHIP-SF 19) and to assess its psychometric properties among Malaysian children/adolescents. Methods: Children aged from 9 to 16 years attending the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) participated in this study. The original English version of the COHIP-SF 19 was translated using forward- and back-translation. The psychometric properties of the final version were tested for reliability and validity using Cronbach’s alpha, a non-parametric Spearman’s correlation test, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: A total of 252 children aged from 9 to 16 years (mean age = 11.33 ± 1.87 years) self-completed the ML-COHIP-SF 19. The total scores of the ML COHIP-SF 19 ranged from 20 to 75 (mean = 55.67 ± 10.45) with an internal consistency (α) of 0.81. Convergent validity showed a fair correlation between self-perceived oral health rating and total ML COHIP-SF 19 scores, as well as the socio-emotional well-being subscale scores (rs = 0.38–0.42, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: The ML COHIP-SF 19 demonstrated reliable psychometric properties and acceptable four-factor model fits, indicating that it is a valid tool to measure the OHRQoL of Malaysian children aged from 9 to 16 years.

The role of psychopathology centrality in psychopathology stability and associations with life satisfaction in adolescence

ABSTRACT Psychopathology can play an important role in the lives of adolescents. However, no research has as of yet examined the role of psychopathology centrality in the course of psychopathology and well-being in adolescence. The present study examined the role of psychopathology centrality in the stability of psychopathology and in the association between psychopathology and satisfaction with life, both across a one-year period, using a sample of 82 Dutch adolescents (M = 16.5 years-old, 74.4% girls) diagnosed with a depressive, anxiety, and/or eating disorder. Psychopathology centrality was correlated positively with psychopathology and negatively with satisfaction with life. Psychopathology was less stable and, tentatively, the link between psychopathology centrality with satisfaction with life less strong for adolescents with higher psychopathology centrality.

Evaluation of the effect of dental caries, oral hygiene, and treatment need on oral health-related quality of life among Turkish orphan children and adolescents

BackgroundThe oral and dental health and related quality of life of orphan children and adolescents—who are considered a vulnerable population—are critical for both individual and public health.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the status of the dental caries, oral hygiene, and dental treatment needs among a group of Turkish male orphan children and adolescents, as well as their impact on oral health-related quality of life.MethodsA total of 112 orphan children and adolescents aged between 9 and 17 years living in a residential care facility in Istanbul, Türkiye, were involved in this cross-sectional study. A comprehensive examination was conducted on each individual, encompassing the assessment of dental caries using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT/dft) index, oral hygiene using the debris (DI-S), calculus (CI-S), and simplified oral hygiene (OHI-S) indices, and dental treatment need using the treatment need index (TNI). Oral health-related quality of life was evaluated using the validated Turkish version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form (COHIP-SF-19). The relationship between oral health-related quality of life and explanatory variables was evaluated using a multivariable linear regression model.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 12 ± 1.79 years. The mean DMFT score was 4.57 ± 3.42, and the mean OHI-S score was 1.4 ± 0.52. Participants had a mean COHIP-SF-19 score of 57.79 ± 14.11, with 25% requiring at least one tooth to undergo radical treatment. Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that the DMFT score (p = 0.009) and the need for radical treatment (TNI code 6) (p < 0.001) had a statistically significant impact on oral health-related quality of life among orphan children and adolescents aged 13–17.ConclusionsThis study underscores that dental caries and the need for radical treatment significantly impact the oral health-related quality of life of orphan children and adolescents.

The effect of stressful life events on depressive symptoms in Chinese university students: Moderated mediating effect of interpersonal relationship and gender.

This study aimed to examine the impact of stressful life events on the depressive symptoms of Chinese first-year university students, while considering the influence of interpersonal relationships and gender on this association. A total of 8079 first-year Chinese university students were surveyed using the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List (ASLEC), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Comprehensive Diagnostic Scale of Interpersonal Relationship (CDSIR). Stressful life event were positively correlated with interpersonal relationships, depressive symptoms, and gender (r = 0.385, 0.264, 0.055, p < 0.001); there was a significant positive correlation between depressive symptoms and interpersonal relationships (r = 0.473, p < 0.001). Stressful life events partially predict depressive symptoms through the mediation of interpersonal relationships, and the proportion of indirect total effect was 63.26 %. The effect of stressful life events on depressive symptoms was moderated by gender. Stressful life events had a positive effect on depressive symptoms in both male and female individuals. Compared with male individuals (simple slope = 0.070, t = 3.467, p < 0.001), female individuals were more susceptible to stressful life events (simple slope = 0.185, t = 9.652, p < 0.001). The generalizability of the findings is constrained by the composition of the sample. The study's utilization of questionnaire methodology and cross-sectional design poses limitations in establishing definitive causality. The effect of stressful life events on depressive symptoms might be mediated by interpersonal relationships and moderated by gender.

THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ADOLESCENTS WITH TERRORISM EXPERIENCE IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA.

Background: Nigeria has a young population, almost half less than 14 years old. Violent crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism continue to plague threats to the young population with consequent effects on the Quality of Life. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between experience of terrorism and Quality of life among adolescents in Mangu Village, Plateau State. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between Dec. 2023 and January 2024, among adolescents aged 10-19 years, living in Mangu Village, Plateau State with a sample size of 200 determined using Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected through standardized semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaires covering socio-demographic information, terrorism experiences, and the quality of life of respondents. The SPSS version 20.0 was used for statistical analysis, including regression to assess the relationship between terrorism experience and the quality of life of respondents. Results: A total number of one hundred and thirty-two (66.0%) were above 16 years old, while one hundred and seven (53.5%) were females. About 92.5% have experienced terrorist attacks before, during which 24.3% felt stressed, 34.6% were sad, and 23.2% were pained. Most of the respondents (53%) were less than 1 month after the duration of the terrorist attack, and 75.7% of the respondents experienced the attacks frequently. 49% of the respondents were self-wishing for death and away from it all. A total number of 114 (57%) of respondents were of good quality of life, while 86 (43% ) were poor during the attack. Conclusion: This study found that most of the adolescents had experienced terrorist attack with a little less than half of them having poor QoL. We recommend the development of policies and programmes that will improve the quality of life of adolescents exposed to terrorism.

Психологическое благополучие подростка: личностные качества и семейные отношения (по материалам зарубежных исследований)

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;The review is focused on results of recent investigations concerned with the problem of psychological well-being and elucidation of main factors of psychological well-being formation in adolescents. Different approaches to the study of the concept of psychological well-being, both domestic and foreign are listed. A major emphasis of review is placed on links between psychological well-being and personal traits as well as family relationships. The analyzed papers pay special attention to such personal traits as perfectionism and mindfulness as an ability to realize and reflect one&amp;rsquo;s own activity. It was shown that psychological well-being positively correlated with mindfulness, self-compassion, cognitive flexibility, and negatively correlated with high scores of perfectionisms. Some investigations present new important data about effects of conflicts between children and parents on adolescents&amp;rsquo; well-being. Psychotherapeutic roles of grandmothers and grandfathers in life of adolescents are analyzed, particularly in dysfunctional families. The common position of the set of analyzed papers is the assertion of necessity to investigate effects of family on adolescents&amp;rsquo; psychological well-being, regarding a family, including all its members belonging to all generations, as a whole.&lt;/p&gt;

Finnish parents’ perception of the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of autistic adolescents

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted autistic adolescents differently, but less is known about what aspects of their lives were the most affected. In this paper, we used a convenience sample (n = 323) of Finnish parents of autistic adolescents who reported the perceived impact of COVID-19 on the lives of their autistic children. Data were analysed with content analyses and four themes emerged; studies, everyday life, interaction, and personal matters. The impact was considered to have been more negative (69%) than positive (31%). There were some mixed feelings towards the impact of COVID-19 and these were targeted particularly towards the way studies were carried out. Parents reported temporal negative impact of the pandemic such as, overall quality of schooling, changes to daily routines, lack of friendships, and reduced mental health. These areas should be monitored post-pandemic. In addition, parents reported their autistic adolescents were able to learn in an undistracted way, were supported by their family, had less exposure to stressful stimuli. The parents appreciated the opportunity to see their autistic child thrive. These were important learnings for designing personalised education for autistic adolescents, such as hybrid schooling and flexible supportive environments in a post-COVID-19 lockdown world.